firsthand experience, I've always been baffled by the skyrocketing price of qie gao, it's literally this sticky sweet delicacy that people can't get enough of yet somehow, it ends up costing an arm and a leg. I remember this one time, back in 2018, I was at a food festival in Beijing. I was like, 'what the heck, why is this little piece of cake so expensive?' The answer? Well, let me share my thoughts.
First off, I think there's a bit of desperation in the way qie gao is priced. You see, it's such a hit among foodies and tourists that vendors can basically charge whatever they want. It's a bit like the housing market, where prices just keep going up because people are willing to pay. And let's not forget the hype. Hashtags, viral posts, everyone's talking about qie gao. It's turned into this must-have item, making people more willing to shell out the cash.
Now, let me get this straight. I totally understand the appeal. It's cute, it's sweet, and it looks like candy. But is it worth $30 or even $50 for a small square? I mean, what's in it that's so exclusive? I've had qie gao from street vendors, high-end shops, and even luxury hotels, and to be honest, they all taste pretty much the same to me. So, is it the ingredients that are so special? I doubt it. The handmade process?Sure, that's a unique element, but is it worth the premium price?
And then there's the whole concept of 'presentation'. I remember a friend once exclaimed, 'This qie gao is just so beautifully wrapped. The packaging alone must cost as much as the candy inside!' Well, now that's just plain crazy. I mean, packaging does add to the cost, but should it be justified by such high prices? I think not.
But here's where I have to admit something: qie gao really does make my mouth water. I mean, nobody can resist that gooey texture and the sweet burst of flavor. But I just can't justify the price. I guess it's a case of 'love at first bite, wallet at second thought'.
So, why is qie gao so expensive? Is it just market manipulation or is there truly something to it? I don't know, but one thing's for sure: it's left me with a sweet taste of skepticism.
And by the way, I still love qie gao. I just can't stand the prices. Sometimes, I wonder if I should just go back to buying my favorite candy bars from the 7-Eleven.