Leadership-Inspired Coffee and Meal Combos Through the Years

When China’s Premier Li Keqiang visited 3W Coffee in Beijing’s Zhongguancun startup hub, everyone wanted the same thing: not just a photo, but proof they’d been near power—literally. But beyond the selfies, something else disappeared fast: the premier’s actual coffee order. That’s just one moment in a string of viral ‘leader combos’ tied to public figures and their everyday choices.

The ‘Prime Minister’s coffee’ sold out by 11 a.m.—just an hour after Li ordered it at 3W Coffee. But he’s not alone. Over the past two years, other Chinese leaders’ simple meals and snacks have sparked similar runs on everything from baozi to coconut chips. Want the full breakdown? Here’s every viral combo, what was in it, and why it sold out.

The Viral Moment: Premier Li and the 3W Coffee Order

On a visit to 3W Coffee in Beijing’s tech district, Premier Li Keqiang chatted with entrepreneurs over coffee. As attendees snapped photos trying to show how close they were, Li joked about the prevalence of Apple and Samsung phones. Soon after he left, his coffee order sold out. Staff reported it was gone by 11 a.m.—just an hour after his 10 a.m. visit.

The '21 Yuan President Combo': Baozi and More

On December 28, 2013, then-President Xi Jinping queued up at Beijing’s Yonghe Fang Qingfeng Baozi Shop. He ordered a set that quickly became iconic: two liang (100g) of pork and scallion baozi, a bowl of fried liver, and a side of mustard greens. Total cost? Just 21 yuan. He ate there for 20 minutes. This no-frills presidential lunch sparked national attention—and even tour groups built around the combo.

• Pork and scallion baozi
• Fried liver
• Mustard greens

The '58 Yuan Shaanxi Combo': A Taste of Home

During a meeting with Taiwan’s honorary KMT chairman Lien Chan on February 18, 2014, President Xi opted for a hometown-style meal. Given their shared roots in Shaanxi province, the menu featured local favourites: lamb pita (yangrou paomo), roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), and biangbiang noodles. Nicknamed the ‘58 Yuan Shaanxi combo’ or ‘Xi-Lien combo’, it became an internet sensation.

• Lamb pita (yangrou paomo)
• Roujiamo (meat sandwich)
• Biangbiang noodles

The '19 Yuan Premier Snack': Shelf Staples

On April 11, 2014, while visiting Haikou, Hainan, Premier Li Keqiang stopped by a convenience store called Yizhijia. There, he bought a box of coconut crisps and a pack of coconut milk rolls made by Chun Guang—totaling 19 yuan. This modest purchase led to the so-called ‘Premier combo’ flying off shelves almost instantly.

• Coconut crisps
• Coconut milk rolls

Why These Combos Go Viral

These aren’t luxury spreads—they’re everyday choices made by prominent leaders. Their very ordinariness sparks public fascination. Whether it’s a cup of coffee at a startup cafe or a budget baozi lunch, these purchases humanize leaders and trigger a rush of public participation, imitation, and yes, commercial runs on the exact items ordered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was in the ‘Prime Minister’s coffee’ that sold out?

The article does not specify the exact type or preparation of Premier Li Keqiang’s coffee at 3W Coffee, only that he ordered a coffee, drank it around 10 a.m., and that the same order sold out by 11 a.m. after his visit.

What was in the 21 yuan president combo?

The 21 yuan president combo consisted of two liang (around 100g each) of pork and scallion baozi, a bowl of fried liver, and a side of mustard greens. It was ordered by President Xi Jinping at Qingfeng Baozi Shop in 2013 for 21 yuan total.

What was the 58 yuan Shaanxi combo?

The 58 yuan Shaanxi combo included lamb pita (yangrou paomo), roujiamo (Chinese meat sandwich), and biangbiang noodles. President Xi ordered this during a 2014 meeting with Lien Chan, and it became known as the ‘Xi-Lien combo’.

What was in the 19 yuan premier snack?

The 19 yuan premier snack was purchased by Premier Li Keqiang at a Haikou convenience store in 2014. It included one box of coconut crisps and one pack of coconut milk rolls, both made by Chun Guang.

Why do these leader orders go viral?

These simple, relatable food and drink choices made by high-profile leaders resonate with the public, creating a sense of connection. The authenticity and accessibility of the items lead to spikes in interest, social media sharing, and often sell-outs of the exact same products ordered.

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