$2 Shanghai Noodle Eatery Trends Online After 'Spider-Man' Visit, Tom Holland and Zendaya Turn Sesame Noodles into Global Hit

A humble $2 noodle shop in Shanghai has become an international sensation after Tom Holland and Zendaya visited twice during their "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" promotional tour, turning its sesame paste noodles into a global hit.

A tiny 37-square-metre noodle shop in Shanghai with just 11 tables has become an unlikely global sensation. Wei Xiang Zhai, a nearly century-old bistro in the Huangpu district, has been packed with customers ever since Hollywood stars Tom Holland and Zendaya visited twice during their promotional tour for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" in late July.

"We get about 50 to 60 orders from foreign visitors a day well up from just a few years ago," said Xue Mei, shift manager at Wei Xiang Zhai.

The couple's visit triggered an immediate sensation, giving the ¥14 ($2) bowl of sesame paste noodles a new nickname: "Spider-Man noodles." Holland and Zendaya, who were in Shanghai for the film's premiere and to meet with fans, praised the dish in interviews with Vogue China, sending food lovers from around the world flocking to the tiny eatery.

The Secret behind the Noodles

The signature sesame paste is a finely balanced blend of peanut and sesame, leaving a delicate, sweet finish on the palate. The noodles themselves are made from custom-milled, alkaline-rich flour, delivering a springy bite and a rich, wheaty aroma. Another bestseller, the pork chop, features a signature soy sauce simmered according to a time-honoured recipe, complemented by house-made chilli oil.

A Cultural Touchstone

Originally a cafe serving only coffee and cold beverages, the shop pivoted to budget-friendly noodles and beef soup, rebranding as Wei Xiang Zhai, which translates literally as "good taste." Nearly a century on, for many Shanghai residents, Wei Xiang Zhai is far more than a noodle joint.

"People sit shoulder to shoulder, chatting in Shanghainese especially empty-nesters who relish the chance to speak their dialect," Xue said.

"Some bring their grandkids and declare with pride: 'This is what grandpa ate as a kid.' And those who have moved away, even overseas, come back for this taste."

The Viral Effect

Shift manager Xue Mei said the foreign clientele grew steadily rather than exploding overnight. An American food blogger with millions of followers filmed the shop, sparking a surge in foreign tourists. Then, when visa-free entry opened up for South Korea, visitors from there followed suit.

The story reflects a broader shift in modern tourism, where platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are replacing traditional guidebooks, with Gen Z and Millennial travellers bypassing hotel dining in search of authentic, viral local street food.

Here is the question this viral trend raises. A $2 noodle shop in Shanghai has become an international sensation after a chance visit by two Hollywood stars. When a single celebrity endorsement can transform a local eatery into a global destination, what does it say about the power of social media and celebrity culture in shaping modern travel and food trends?

As "Spider-Man noodles" continue to draw diners from around the world, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When a bowl of noodles becomes a cultural phenomenon, what does it reveal about the way we discover, share, and experience food in the digital age?

FAQ:

Q: What is the noodle shop that went viral after the Spider-Man visit?
A: Wei Xiang Zhai, a nearly century-old bistro on Yandang Road in Shanghai's Huangpu district, went viral after Tom Holland and Zendaya visited twice.

Q: How much do the "Spider-Man noodles" cost?
A: The sesame paste noodles cost ¥14, approximately US$2 per bowl.

Q: What did Tom Holland and Zendaya do in Shanghai?
A: The couple visited Shanghai in late July 2026 for the premiere of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," attending fan events and exploring the city, including a visit to the noodle shop.

Q: What are "Spider-Man noodles"?
A: "Spider-Man noodles" is the nickname given to Wei Xiang Zhai's sesame paste noodles after Holland and Zendaya praised the dish during their promotional tour.

Q: How many foreign customers visit the noodle shop each day?
A: The shop serves 50 to 60 foreign customers daily, up significantly from just a few years ago.