Round Table China Smelly noodles, noisy kids? Navigating public space etiquette!
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Aug 26, 2025 The podcast kicks off with a discussion on changing norms of public transport etiquette in China, spotlighting the ban on smelly instant noodles at rail stations. It dives into the nostalgia they evoke for millennials while addressing the complexities of public space behavior. Another hot topic is how to manage noisy kids during travel, balancing parental challenges with societal expectations. The conversation also touches on an enlightening subway encounter, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and kindness in shared environments.
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Cup Noodles: Travel Staple Turned Controversy
- Instant cup noodles were a decades-long travel staple for Chinese train riders and are prepared onboard using boiling water provided by trains.
- Guangzhou East Railway Station stopped selling them in shops due to complaints about their strong smell, though passengers can still bring their own.
Passenger Cooking Onboard
- Steve recalled a woman on a high-speed train preparing a cup of instant noodles and even chopping a sausage with scissors next to him.
- He said he personally wasn't bothered by the smell despite the elaborate preparation.
Noodles Spark Broader Etiquette Debate
- The noodle debate reveals a deeper conversation about behaviour in shared public spaces rather than food itself.
- Official platforms like 12306 advise against pungent foods, showing preference for collective comfort over individual convenience.