East China has seen a mother create a global internet craze after her unconventional morning meals named “Thunder Breakfasts” and trending on social media got more than 900 million views. A defensive post to online hate speech has been turned into a creative display of “clumsy but endearing” motherly love.
Zhang Liping, a clothing store owner from Zhejiang province, was initially criticized last December after sharing videos of her 16-year-old son’s humble breakfast (dry bread, rice crackers, and hot water). Netizens referred to her as the "stepmother," accusing her of neglect. Stung by the comments, Zhang resolved to “give it her all,” and bizarre food pairings emerged, captivating 1.3 million followers with one-of-a-kind exotic meals.
At the 'Thunder Breakfast' Menu
The word “thunder” was coined by netizens to describe Zhang’s high-octane, experimental, and lightning-fast creations. Her son who’s frequently found eating half asleep has been served combinations that fall in contravention of typical culinary styles:
- The Exotic Pairings: Durian with beef hotpot, strawberries with xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
- The Bizarre Mix: A skewer of candied fruit, with sour fish soup and a glass of milk.
- The ‘Chinese Burger’: A creative pile of spicy strips, cabbage, and apple slices.
- The Crowd Favorite: Braised chicken feet, with a cold cola.
The Heart Behind the Chaos
And despite the odd menus, Zhang’s story has resonated with millions, for the commitment it represents.
- Early mornings: Zhang wakes up at 5:00 AM every single day to make sure that her son eats before school at 6:00 AM before leaving for her own job.
- Feeding a Picky Eater: “My son doesn’t like traditional Chinese breakfasts such as buns or noodles. “He loves meat and sweets only,” Zhang said to the local media.
- Family Dynamic: Not only has the "emotionally stable" son been praised for accepting his mother's cooking experiment with a smile, but they also demonstrate a family atmosphere of cheerful humor.
Zhang has been dubbed an “abstract parent” a popular phrase in China for parents who use ludicrous, but amusing, strategies to bond with their children.
“The fame online will someday dissipate,” Zhang said, “but the love behind the thunder breakfasts, a mother’s love, will never fade.”
