TCM-Inspired Foods: A New Global Wellness Trend

November 21, 2025: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is undergoing a modern transformation as its principles increasingly influence the wellness-food and lifestyle sectors worldwide. Particularly in cities like Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur, cafes and bars are blending centuries-old herbal practices with trendy culinary aesthetics to create Instagram-friendly experiences that cater to health-conscious youth.

One prominent example is Que Tang Yu Fang, a tea bar in Kuala Lumpur that brews daily TCM-based beverages. Their drinks, made with ingredients like dried tangerine peel and ginseng, are not only flavorful but are also tailored to harmonize internal energy, or qi, in line with traditional Chinese health philosophies. With its wall of visible herbs and a minimalist interior design, the shop blends ancient healing with modern branding to appeal to young urban consumers.

In Shanghai, artisanal dessert and gelato shops have also embraced TCM concepts. One gelateria, for instance, infuses flavors such as goji berry, chrysanthemum, and even polygonatum root (used in tonics) into their frozen treats. The result is a sensory and nutritional fusion — food as medicine, elevated to a fashionable indulgence.

These businesses reflect a broader movement: the repositioning of TCM as both a legitimate wellness option and a lifestyle choice. Rather than sticking to pills, decoctions, or traditional clinics, TCM is now being reimagined through stylish, consumable experiences. This shift resonates with younger generations looking for preventive wellness strategies that are both effective and enjoyable.

By making TCM ingredients more accessible and delicious, these shops contribute to its global evolution — signaling how ancient traditions can adapt and thrive in modern, multicultural urban life.

Full article: SCMP – TCM Gets a Delicious, Insta-Worthy Makeover