A Foshan restaurant, “Xia Ji Private Kitchen,” is under fire after multiple social media users accused it of allegedly killing live cats to prepare a dish called “Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix.” The claim sparked widespread outrage online, prompting local authorities to intervene and temporarily shut down the restaurant.
Reports from Chinese media outlets, including Red Star News and The Beijing News, detailed that on October 30, netizens alleged the restaurant in Nanhai District’s Jiujiang Town combined live cats, snakes, and chickens to make the controversial dish. In the dish’s naming, “Dragon” represents snake, “Tiger” refers to cat, and “Phoenix” denotes chicken, emphasizing its so-called exotic and traditional appeal.
The controversy intensified after the restaurant allegedly posted on social media boasting about receiving live cats, with one post stating, “Meow meow meow has arrived, perfect weather to cook Dragon-Tiger-Phoenix.” Photos purportedly showed a white cat being carried into the kitchen, sparking public backlash over both the ethics and legality of the ingredients, as well as food safety concerns.
On October 31, local authorities confirmed that teams from the Propaganda, Culture, Tourism and Education Office visited the restaurant, and the Market Supervision Bureau began handling the situation under food safety regulations. Police, health, and market oversight agencies jointly launched an investigation. Initial inspections of the kitchen, cold storage, and ingredient areas reportedly found no cat or snake meat. The restaurant has been ordered to cease operations pending further verification.
Volunteers visiting the site observed no trace of cats in the kitchen. The restaurant owner denied selling cat meat, claiming only a few dogs were kept on the premises, and argued that “the cats in the photos may no longer be here.” The restaurant’s page on a popular food platform now indicates it has suspended operations, with the owner adding that, “It’s a misunderstanding; these were pets of a friend, and we only assisted with processing.”
According to China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, cats and dogs have been excluded from the official list of edible animals since May 2020, meaning there is no legal framework for breeding or inspection. With over 124 million pet cats and dogs in China, they are widely regarded as companions, making the consumption of cat and dog meat not only a violation of modern food safety and ethics but also a potential driver for illegal activities such as theft and poisoning.
Authorities continue to investigate the case.
