Fast food from the US and China catches on in both countries

China and the United States, despite their many disagreements, share a common thread: fast food. American restaurant and beverage chains are rapidly expanding in China, capitalizing on the vast potential customer base of a nation four times the size of the U.S. In contrast, Chinese chains are venturing into the U.S., hoping to ride the wave of domestic economic struggles and intense competition.

These chains are not just businesses, but cultural ambassadors too, according to Yaling Jiang, founder of ApertureChina. In China, fast-food chains like Popeyes and Five Guys are viewed as indulgences, while Americans are increasingly embracing Chinese brands as unofficial cultural ambassadors. Jiang believes that consumerism can serve as a safe entry point for Chinese culture to gain soft power.

Despite the political tensions, Americans still show a keen interest in American fast-food brands, according to Shaun Rein, founder and managing director of the Shanghai-based China Market Research Group. KFC, the first major American fast-food chain to enter mainland China in 1987, remains a dominant player with about 13,000 restaurants in China compared to around 3,750 in the U.S.

To tap into the Chinese market, many American chains tailor their menus to suit local tastes. KFC, for instance, serves french fries and Original Recipe chicken alongside custardy egg tarts and congee, a savory rice porridge. Chinese fast-food chains, on the other hand, are exploring opportunities in the U.S. Mixue, a Chinese fast-food giant with over 53,000 locations, opened its first three U.S. stores in December, and has more planned across four states.

Other Chinese chains, such as Heytea, Luckin Coffee, and Wallace, have also made their U.S. debuts since 2023, with a focus on drinks and snacks. Some Chinese chains even adjust their menus to appeal to American palates.