Recently, a self-service restaurant in the alleys of Tianqiao District, Jinan, offering meals at 5 yuan, has gone viral after receiving a negative review about its «small portions.» Many netizens have jokingly rallied in support of the restaurant.

A small shop packed with just three customers

Turning from Lishan Road and weaving through a few small curves, you’ll find yourself in one of the remaining urban villages of Jinan—Liuhang, merely a street away from Daming Lake. This is where a post-90s young man opened his 5 yuan self-service restaurant.

At 4 PM, the shop owner was busy, sweating profusely while stir-frying shredded tofu, preparing for the evening’s business. The shop, about ten square meters, was mostly occupied by the kitchen. The serving area took up the other half of the space, while two folding tables filled the small dining area.

«Primarily serving takeout, but also dine-in, though it’s a bit cramped; three people make it crowded,» he said. He cooks 6-8 dishes every evening, all common seasonal vegetables. For 5 yuan per serving, customers can pick the dishes they like, as long as they fit in a meal box; rice is sold separately for one yuan per portion, which customers can serve themselves. «There are many delivery riders and construction workers nearby, my main customer base, focusing on affordability, large portions, and fullness,» he explained.

Soon, customers came by. «What’s on the menu today?» «We’re having a feast today, with meat dishes ready soon,» he replied, still engaged in stir-frying. «Alright, I’ll come for my meal in a bit,» a customer said, who buys meals from the shop about half the month.

The owner mentioned that business was already decent before his shop became famous. «We open at 4 PM every day, serving till around 9 PM, selling all the dishes prepared each day.» However, he couldn’t have anticipated that his small space, where «even turning around is a hassle,» would experience such a heartwarming twist.

A negative review sparks a heated online discussion

The story dates back three months ago when the owner was still struggling through a «sluggish life.» «I’ve been out of college for years, facing various setbacks, eventually working part-time at a food and beverage company,» he recalled. «Off work, I spent my time gaming in my rented room, feeling quite wasted.»

This urban village in Jinan is home to many migrant workers, often found eating buns and salted vegetables on the steps at night. Although there are many restaurants nearby, not many serve quick meals exclusively. The owner figured he could open an affordable fast-food shop catering to workers while seeking a side business opportunity.

With limited funds, he found a place that costs just 830 yuan per month. After calculating costs, he priced the meals at the lowest possible, 5 yuan per self-service boxed meal. In his free time, he took to filming short videos to promote his shop and expanded awareness online through group purchases.

However, just last month, during the second month of operation, he received a negative review commenting on «small portions at high prices.»

«Seeing the negative review was a bit of a shock, but it can’t be helped; it’s impossible to satisfy everyone,» he continued his business, filming videos until his «three is a crowd» video gained popularity unexpectedly, bringing emphasis to the negative review.

Initially, discussions were centered on the review. Later, as though discovering a new continent, netizens flooded the comment section with «Does the 5-yuan self-service include imperial crabs?» «Boss, I’ll have a fragrant steak, medium-rare,» and even more exaggerated were additions like «Australian lobster» and «Buddha jumps over the wall» on the group’s recommendation page. Watching the comments, the owner laughed till he cried, interacting with netizens—»Turns out being teased can be so warm.»

Strangers sending «luxurious supplies»

«A month’s worth of hard promotion can’t compare to one negative review,» he jokingly said. In the past two weeks, «fans» have been visiting his small shop more and more. Pointing to the dozen boxes of chicken tail drinks at the entrance, he mentioned that they were sent by a fan from Guangzhou, along with home-pickled alligator meat and beef, «all for ‘adding dishes’ to my shop.»

The heartwarming responses continued: «Visiting Jinan next week, bringing you two pounds of home-cooked yellow beef,» «Sending you some windbreak-f

Tianqiao District

Tianqiao District, located in Jinan, Shandong Province, is a historic area known for its cultural significance and natural springs. Historically, it was a bustling commercial hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, famous for its bridge («Tianqiao» means «Heavenly Bridge») and vibrant market culture. Today, it preserves traditional architecture and serves as a key tourist spot, reflecting Jinan’s heritage as the «City of Springs.»

Jinan

Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province in eastern China, is known as the «City of Springs» due to its numerous natural artesian springs, most notably the Baotu Spring. With a history spanning over 2,600 years, Jinan has been an important cultural and economic center since ancient times, serving as a key location during the Zhou Dynasty and later as a hub for Confucian scholarship. The city blends historical landmarks like Daming Lake and Thousand Buddha Mountain with modern urban development.

Lishan Road

Lishan Road is a scenic mountain route located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, known for its lush greenery and historical significance. It passes near the famous Huaqing Palace, a Tang Dynasty imperial hot spring resort, and leads to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road offers picturesque views and serves as a cultural gateway to Xi’an’s ancient heritage.

Liuhang

Liuhang is a historic water town located in Shanghai’s Baoshan District, known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and scenic canals. Once a bustling commercial hub during the imperial era, it flourished due to its strategic location along waterways used for trade and transportation. Today, Liuhang offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan culture with its ancient bridges, temples, and charming riverside streets.

Daming Lake

Daming Lake is a famous natural lake in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, known as one of the city’s «Three Major Scenic Spots.» With a history dating back over 1,400 years, it has been celebrated in poetry and literature since the Tang Dynasty for its clear waters, willow-lined shores, and pavilions. The lake is fed by natural springs and surrounded by historic sites, including temples and gardens, making it a key cultural and tourist attraction.

urban villages of Jinan

The urban villages of Jinan are historic neighborhoods that blend traditional Shandong architecture with modern city life, often featuring narrow alleys, courtyard homes, and vibrant local communities. Many date back centuries, serving as cultural hubs, but rapid urbanization has led to redevelopment efforts, threatening their preservation. These areas offer a glimpse into Jinan’s past while highlighting the tension between heritage and modernization.

self-service restaurant

A self-service restaurant, also known as a cafeteria, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a quick, affordable dining option. Customers serve themselves from a counter or buffet, reducing waitstaff costs and speeding up service. This concept became popular in workplaces, schools, and public spaces, reflecting a shift toward efficiency and informal dining in modern culture.

5 yuan self-service restaurant

The «5 yuan self-service restaurant» is a grassroots dining concept in China, offering affordable meals for as little as 5 yuan (about $0.70) per person. Originating in cities like Jinan and Hangzhou, these restaurants emerged to support low-income workers, students, and the elderly by providing simple, self-served dishes like rice, vegetables, and basic proteins. Often run by charities or community groups, they reflect a social initiative to address food affordability while fostering community solidarity.