The Unlikely Soft Power of a Prime Minister’s Menu
There’s something oddly captivating about the way a single meal can ripple across continents, turning a routine diplomatic visit into a cultural phenomenon. Keir Starmer’s dinner at In and Out, a Beijing restaurant, has done just that. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights the unpredictable nature of soft power—how a politician’s mundane choices can inadvertently become a global talking point.
A Meal That Went Viral
When Starmer and his team dined at In and Out in January, no one could have predicted the aftermath. The restaurant, specializing in Yunnan cuisine, has been fully booked ever since. Diners now flock to order from the “prime minister’s menu,” a specially printed list of dishes Starmer enjoyed. From mint leaves wrapped in beef to grilled asparagus with porcini, it’s a menu that feels both exotic and approachable.
Personally, I think what’s most intriguing here is the psychology behind it. Why would people travel miles just to eat what a politician ate? It’s not about the food itself—it’s about the experience, the story, the fleeting connection to power. It’s a modern-day version of celebrity culture, but with a diplomatic twist.
The Power of a Skipped Dish
One thing that immediately stands out is what Starmer didn’t order: the hallucinogenic mushrooms that Janet Yellen famously tried during her visit. Instead, he opted for the safer, more vanilla porcini. This raises a deeper question: does playing it safe in politics translate to playing it safe in cuisine? And if so, what does that say about a leader’s willingness to take risks?
What many people don’t realize is that Yunnan cuisine is known for its bold flavors and exotic ingredients. By skipping the mushrooms, Starmer missed an opportunity to embrace the region’s culinary identity. From my perspective, it’s a small but symbolic moment—a reminder that diplomacy often involves stepping out of your comfort zone.
Soft Power in Unexpected Places
Britain’s soft power in China is a curious thing. Despite the post-Brexit turmoil, the UK retains a certain allure. Football, Rosamund Pike, and now Starmer’s menu—these are the cultural touchpoints that resonate. It’s not about grand gestures but about the subtle, almost accidental ways a country can leave its mark.
If you take a step back and think about it, this phenomenon isn’t unique to China. People everywhere are drawn to the lifestyles of the powerful, whether it’s a president’s favorite ice cream flavor or a prime minister’s dinner order. What this really suggests is that soft power isn’t just about policy—it’s about storytelling, about creating moments that people want to be a part of.
The Broader Implications
Starmer’s visit was meant to reset UK-China relations, but its most lasting impact might be this viral menu. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this has played out on Chinese social media, with platforms like Douyin amplifying the story. It’s a reminder of how quickly and unpredictably narratives can spread in the digital age.
But here’s the thing: soft power is fragile. If Starmer’s political fortunes at home take a turn, will this goodwill fade? Personally, I think it’s a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of influence. One day you’re a cultural icon, the next you’re yesterday’s news.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Starmer’s dinner at In and Out is more than just a meal—it’s a case study in the unpredictability of global influence. It shows how even the smallest actions can have outsized consequences, and how soft power often works in ways we least expect.
From my perspective, the real takeaway here isn’t about politics or cuisine. It’s about the human desire to connect, to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s through a shared meal or a viral story, we’re all looking for that connection. And sometimes, it’s found in the most unlikely places.
Maybe, just maybe, Starmer should have tried those mushrooms after all. Who knows what kind of story that would have told?
