Nvidia CEO Huang Praises Beijing Noodles, Winces at Drink

Beijing, China — Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang drew crowds and social media buzz Friday after being spotted sampling local delicacies in a historic neighborhood, praising a signature noodle dish while grimacing at a traditional fermented drink.

Huang visited No. 69 Fangzhuanchang Noodles in the Nanluoguxiang area of Beijing's eastern district, where he ordered a bowl of zhajiangmian. The Beijing specialty consists of wheat noodles topped with a thick soybean paste sauce mixed with vegetables and meat. Standing at the restaurant entrance, Huang dug in and declared, "It's so good." Onlookers quickly gathered, filming videos and snapping photos as he ate.

The outing took an amusing turn when Huang tried douzhier, a classic Beijing beverage made from fermented soybeans. The gray-green, slightly sour drink prompted a visible wince from the CEO. Clips of his reaction spread rapidly on Weibo, China's popular social media platform, trending Friday afternoon. Not everyone favors the acquired-taste drink, which locals describe as a polarizing staple.

Huang soon recovered by purchasing a sweet beverage from nearby Mixue Bingcheng, a Chinese chain known for affordable iced treats and drinks.