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An underground market for authentic Chinese cuisine flourishes in LA
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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

Sep 30, 2016
Listen 6:44
An underground market for authentic Chinese cuisine flourishes in LA
Why a Chinese messaging app is a component of an underground market for home-cooked cuisine from China.
Homemade pan-fried pork and cucumber potstickers.
Homemade pan-fried pork and cucumber potstickers.
(
Jerome Adamstein. Courtesy of the Los Angeles Times
)

Why a Chinese messaging app is a component of an underground market for home-cooked cuisine from China.

There's an illegal market being run through the Chinese messaging app WeChat. The product? Dumplings and other authentic cuisine from China. 

The tradition of purchasing home-cooked food that's hard to find commercially isn't a new one, but the advent of social media is changing the landscape. 

The sale of home-cooked foods is prohibited by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, but for many, it's a more appealing option. Even if it means going through the sometimes rigorous vetting process of a home-based chef trying to protect herself from legal troubles. 

Despite the underground element of the WeChat market, customer demand is so high that some home-based chefs can't keep up with their orders.  

Reporter, David Pierson looked into the WeChat home cooked food market for the L.A. Times and joined Take Two with more details.  

Click on the blue arrow above to hear the full interview.