Shanghai Noodle Shop Wei Xiang Zhai Sees Surge After Tom Holland, Zendaya Visit

Celebrity Visit Boosts Local Bistro

Wei Xiang Zhai, a modest 11-table noodle bistro situated on Yandang Road in Shanghai's Huangpu District, has become a focal point of discussion this summer. The establishment gained widespread international recognition after Hollywood actors Tom Holland and Zendaya visited it twice in late July 2026.

During their press tour for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," the pair dined alongside local patrons, consuming ¥14 (US$2) bowls of sesame paste noodles. This event swiftly generated public interest, leading to the dish being colloquially dubbed "Spider-Man noodles."

Wei Xiang Zhai's Enduring Appeal and New Clientele

Prior to the celebrity visits, Wei Xiang Zhai already held a strong local following among Shanghainese residents. The Michelin Guide reports the bistro was founded approximately 80 years ago as a modest café offering cold beverages before rebranding to "Wei Xiang Zhai" (House of Good Taste) and introducing noodles and beef soup to its menu.

The signature item is majiang mian, a dish consisting of custom-milled wheat noodles coated in a rich sauce made from roasted sesame paste and peanut butter. It is traditionally served with house-made chili oil, a stir-fried pork topping, and clear beef broth. Tom Holland and Zendaya openly praised the dish in an interview with Vogue China.

Wei Xiang Zhai shift manager Xue Mei informed China Daily that orders from foreign visitors have steadily risen to 50-60 bowls daily since the Hollywood couple's endorsement.

Social Media Drives Tourism Shift

The surge in international patronage at Wei Xiang Zhai demonstrates a change in contemporary tourism patterns. Digital platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are increasingly replacing traditional travel guidebooks as primary sources for destination discovery.

Younger travellers, particularly from Generation Z and Millennial demographics, are favouring authentic, socially shared local street food over hotel dining. Capron Agathe, a French tourist, told China Daily that she located Wei Xiang Zhai via TikTok, noting her curiosity about peanut butter in a savoury noodle dish.

Xue Mei further explained that a previous visit by an American food blogger with a substantial online following also led to an initial increase in foreign visitors, followed by another rise after visa waivers were implemented for citizens of the Republic of Korea.

Broader Impact on Shanghai's Culinary Scene

This momentum extends beyond a single noodle establishment. Other traditional Shanghai eateries are also observing a significant increase in business. Chen Lina, founder of Wu You Xian, a crab-roe soup dumpling eatery, informed China Daily that international visitors now constitute 80% of its clientele.

This increase occurred after the establishment received a Michelin star and gained viral attention from global influencers. To accommodate international tourists while retaining their authentic character, establishments like Wu You Xian are equipping their staff with handheld translation devices.

This trend highlights the growing influence of social media and celebrity endorsements on travel choices, particularly for younger demographics seeking authentic culinary experiences, and demonstrates how local eateries are adapting to this new influx of diverse customers.