“I only take the expensive stuff’: Influencer triggers buffet backlash.
A high-profile Chinese competitive eater has drawn backlash on social media after posting a video of himself consuming large quantities of premium seafood at a buffet restaurant in Tokyo.
Deng Chenen, 25, a social media personality with over 4.3 million followers, shared footage earlier this month in which he is seen filling his plate with salmon, king crab, Wagyu beef and other expensive items, before declaring, “I only take the expensive stuff.” At one point in the video, he remarked: “I do not think any other diner will get to eat salmon today.”
The video, which has attracted over 350,000 likes, has sparked criticism both in Japan and China, with some viewers describing the behaviour as inconsiderate to other diners. Restaurant staff reportedly reminded Deng not to waste food. According to local media reports, he replied “OK” but continued eating, despite not appearing to understand Japanese.
The estimated value of the food Deng consumed during the two-hour buffet, which costs ¥12,000 (approximately $85) per person, was placed by some viewers between ¥50,000 and ¥80,000 ($350–$550). Deng later claimed in the video that he finished everything on his plate.
Deng, who is based in Zhejiang province, is known for his performances in “big stomach” or competitive eating challenges, a popular niche on Chinese social media. Previous videos have featured him consuming 25kg of king crab in one sitting, and eating 35 hamburgers and 30 chicken drumsticks in four hours.
While the Tokyo buffet incident may appear trivial, it has tapped into wider sensitivities around public behaviour, tourism etiquette, and perceptions of online celebrity culture. On Chinese platforms, a number of viewers criticised Deng for what they saw as disrespectful conduct and a poor reflection on Chinese tourists abroad.
Health professionals have also weighed in. A nutritionist quoted in Chinese media warned that excessive eating for the sake of performance or entertainment carries long-term health risks, including diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
Deng has not publicly responded to the criticism at the time of writing. His girlfriend, Wu Ting, is also a competitive eater and has previously competed in similar contests in Japan.