Former 1990s Sex Symbol Zhang Huiyi Challenges Insect Feast, Gives Remaining Platter to Neighbors
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Former Hong Kong "sex goddess" Zhang Huiyi, now active in mainland China, has embarked on a culinary adventure that tested her courage. The 55-year-old actress challenged herself to an insect feast at a Guangdong restaurant, sampling various deep-fried insects including spiders, centipedes, bee pupae, silkworm pupae, dragonfly pupae, mealworms, and beetles. While initially horrified by the menu, she found the courage to taste the exotic dishes, only to ultimately pass the remaining platter to fellow diners rather than finish it herself. The episode highlights her journey from 1990s entertainment star to devoted mother caring for her adopted son with congenital heart disease.
Key Points
- Zhang Huiyi, who portrayed the captivating Spider Spirit Shishi in TVB's 1998 drama Journey to the West Part 2, visited a Guangdong restaurant featuring "dark cuisine" with an insect tasting menu
- When the waiter presented the menu including spider and centipede options, Zhang gasped in shock, asking how anyone could eat hairy spiders
- She ordered an "insect surprise" platter containing bee pupae, silkworm pupae, dragonfly pupae, mealworms, and beetles, then closed her eyes and grimaced while eating a mealworm
- Despite initial revulsion, Zhang was surprised to find fried insects had no unusual smell and were quite crispy, gradually accepting the taste
- She praised the osmanthus cicada steamed chicken for its unique aroma but gave the insect platter to neighboring diners to avoid wasting food
Why It Matters
This episode offers a glimpse into the lives of Hong Kong entertainment veterans who have successfully transitioned to the mainland market while maintaining connection with their Hong Kong fanbase. Zhang's willingness to embrace local culinary culture reflects the growing integration between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese entertainment industries, while her charitable gesture of sharing the dish highlights traditional Chinese values of not wasting food despite personal preferences.
This episode offers a glimpse into the lives of Hong Kong entertainment veterans who have successfully transitioned to the mainland market while maintaining connection with their Hong Kong fanbase. Zhang's willingness to embrace local culinary culture reflects the growing integration between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese entertainment industries, while her charitable gesture of sharing the dish highlights traditional Chinese values of not wasting food despite personal preferences.