Quarantine Food: Yay or Nay?

Rumors and speculations circle the Chinese net talking about the delectability of the food in the required 2-week quarantine for those traveling between cities. One post on popular blog site “Xiao Hong Shu” details the author’s stay in the Chengdu Quarantine as spectacular, stating that the staff was kind and that the food was appetizing. She really emphasized the care that the quarantine staff provided; this promise of a quality stay certainly did not fall short in Shanghai either.

A collage of photos depicting the meals served during hotel quarantine in Chengdu Courtesy of Xiao Hong Shu

The process of the food getting into quarantine itself is intriguing. Right outside my window in quarantine was a farm that I thought belonged to a nearby farmer. Though after close inspection one morning it turns out that workers from the hotel, I assume, had been harvesting crops from the farm, where they would then cook and prepare the vegetables for consumption in a separate building. Where they get the meat, however, is still undetermined.

In the beginning few days, I went for Chinese food as it was the cheaper option and made more sense. However, as a picky eater myself, I went for the alternative western food as a choice and was surprised by the variety and choices that came with each meal compared to the Chinese option. Every meal of the day was separated into 2 boxes: one for the main course, and one for the snacks and drink.

A meal i had while in quarantine Courtesy of Christoph Deckert (10B)

Alright, let’s talk about the real reason you are reading this article; the food. Overall, I would give the food itself over a 5 for the impeccable organization and variety of food they offered. Furthermore, I would give it an extra few points, as the dedication and care that is put into the food is shown by the tidiness and the cleanliness. Keep in mind, this is with 100 people currently quarantining in the hotel, so I was quite surprised. Moreover, the food itself is healthy altogether, as it came with vegetables, rice, and meat. In all, that is placing the food at a current 7-8 out of 10; pretty high for quarantine quality if you ask me.

Nevertheless, nothing is perfect, and this was no exception. Often times the food arrived slightly soggy and its’ intended taste lost. The food wasn’t exactly warm at all times either, as it took a while to deliver it from the kitchen all the way into the rooms. Overall, I would give quarantine food a “yay”. Depending on your type of cuisine the price would vary and give you a different experience, but for me it was just satisfactory enough and gave me the right things at the right times.

Featured Image – View from the window while staying in quarantine Photo Courtesy of Christoph Deckert (10B)

by Christoph Deckert