By Zhao Yu

In recent weeks, Ningbo residents have been buzzing about a new trend on social media: local delicacies transformed into cute, collectible plushies. These dolls, inspired by beloved Ningbo foods, have gained widespread popularity for their charming designs that celebrate the city's rich culinary heritage.

This new range of stuffed toys launched by Intime Department Store just before Chinese New Year include "Ning Gao Gao", inspired by lard rice cakes, the "Yuan Bao" family, which is modeled after Ningbo's famous tangyuan (sticky rice balls with sweet sesame filling), and "Crab Boss", a playful tribute to the swimming crabs often seen on local tables. These adorable creations have caused quite a stir, with over 2,000 sold shortly after their release.

Before these food-inspired plushies are handed to customers at the booth in Intime, the staff puts on a playful "cooking" performance. For example, the "Ning Gao Gao" toy is first "steamed", then "fried in lard until slightly charred", before being garnished with accessories resembling eggs, sausages, and lettuce. The staff even wear chef outfits, creating an immersive and playful experience for customers. The quirky process has captivated many, prompting them to share photos and videos on social media.

Each doll in the series is designed with a unique personality that reflects the food it represents. For instance, "Ning Gao Gao" is depicted as cheerful and outgoing, mirroring the versatility of rice cakes, which can be filled with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, fried eggs, and fried dough sticks. The "Yuan Bao" family features "Xiaobai", a confused-looking character whose name is a playful pun on the color of tangyuan and the Chinese term for a silly person. Another member, "Xiaoju", is an orange rice ball inspired by the osmanthus-flavored tangyuan, embodying the same cuteness and charm.

Since their launch, these dolls have drawn significant attention, especially among younger crowds. An online naming competition for the dolls generated lively discussion, with names like "Ning Gao Gao" and "Yuan Bao" emerging as fan favorites.