Darren “IShowSpeed,”a popular YouTube streamer, is currently on his inaugural IRL (In Real Life) tour across China. This exciting journey has produced numerous viral moments, particularly as Speed ventures into experiencing traditional Chinese cuisine. Below, we delve into five memorable occasions when he sampled iconic dishes, leaving him both surprised and delighted.
5 Memorable Moments of IShowSpeed Experiencing Chinese Cuisine
1) Trying Snake Soup in Hong Kong
During his fifth streaming session on April 4, 2024, in Hong Kong—a vibrant coastal city known for its rich cultural heritage—Speed ventured into a local diner to try snake soup, a traditional Cantonese delicacy made from snake meat, broth, and various flavorful ingredients.
Despite its unconventional appeal to American audiences, Speed was pleasantly surprised by the dish, exclaiming:
“First time trying Snake soup in Hong Kong… why the f**k is Snake soup good? This should not taste good. Why is it actually good?”
2) Experiencing the Spiciest Hotpot in Chengdu
On March 31, 2025, during his third stream in Chengdu, Speed made headlines with his attempt at an exceptionally spicy hotpot. This quintessential Chinese dish, featuring a variety of thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables cooked in a bubbling broth, proved to be quite a challenge.
The intensity of the spice elicited an unforgettable reaction from Speed as he humorously engaged with his surrounding guides. His comical struggles with the heat quickly became viral content.
3) Discovering Traditional Chinese Ramen
During his inaugural stream on March 24, 2025, in Shanghai, Speed had the chance to sample traditional Chinese ramen. While ramen is commonly linked to Japanese cuisine, its roots trace back to Chinese lamian, characterized by its hand-pulled noodles.
While dining at a street-side vendor, Speed found the noodles to have a spicy kick and humorously remarked:
“You sure you put a little spice in here? It’s good. It’s good, though. I don’t think you put a little bit of spice. It ain’t spicy, bro. It’s good though.”
4) Sampling Beef Offal
Continuing in Hong Kong, Speed experienced another unique dish—beef offal, which includes various edible organ meats from a cow, such as liver and kidney. His adventurous palate led him to add hot sauce, eliciting a lively response from the crowd nearby.
Members of the audience playfully gestured for a taste, leading to a lighthearted moment as Speed happily shared the dish with them.
5) Tasting Pineapple Bread in Hong Kong
Another highlight from his Hong Kong adventures was his first bite of pineapple bread (or pineapple bun). This beloved treat is famed for its soft and fluffy texture combined with a crunchy exterior. After his first taste, Speed couldn’t contain his excitement:
“Pineapple bread, a Hong Kong signature chat. Let’s see what it tastes like. That melts in your mouth. This sh*t is good as f**k, on god, this sh*t is good. This is good as f**k… this sh*t is good y’all.”
Interestingly, despite its name, this bun typically doesn’t contain any actual pineapple. The name derives from the crust’s resemblance to the prickly skin of a pineapple.
Through his engaging culinary adventures, IShowSpeed has provided a unique perspective on Chinese cuisine, captivating both his audience and the food lovers alike. For more insights into his tour and experiences, feel free to explore his streams.