BLACKPINK member Lisa has sparked an international food trend after praising Hat Yai fried chicken during her visit to London. The Thai superstar called the dish “the most delicious menu item” during a conversation with Kru Loukgolf, a renowned Thai-English teacher, leading to massive global interest in this traditional Thai food. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions from fans and food enthusiasts who are eager to try the dish Lisa recommended. The viral moment has demonstrated Lisa’s significant influence as a global trendsetter and highlighted the power of cultural soft power through food.
Lisa’s simple comment about Hat Yai fried chicken has created what fans are calling the “Lisa effect” on social media. The dish quickly became a trending topic worldwide as fans shared their excitement about trying the food that Lisa endorsed. Many netizens have expressed how Lisa’s influence can turn local products into global sensations almost instantly. This is not the first time Lisa’s recommendations have caused such a massive response, as she has previously driven trends with other products like Labubu collectibles and Heytea drinks through simple endorsements.
The Global Reaction to Lisa’s Food Recommendation
Fans across social media platforms have been sharing their reactions to Lisa’s endorsement of Hat Yai fried chicken. Many expressed amazement at her continuing influence while others shared their plans to try the dish. The viral moment has created a wave of interest in Thai cuisine worldwide with many fans adding Hat Yai chicken to their must-try lists for future Thailand visits.
One fan on social media said:
“Her impact is just crazy”
Another user commented:
“Added this dish to my checklist the next time I visit Thailand”
A different fan noted:
“Everything she touches turns to gold like… she made the Labubu brand worth over 1 billion with the creator thanking her”
Another supporter stated:
“Global it girl for a reason”
One more fan added:
“That’s why I love about her. She’s promoting her country since day1”
What Makes Hat Yai Fried Chicken Special
Hat Yai fried chicken is a signature dish from Southern Thailand known for its distinctive preparation and flavor profile. The dish features chicken marinated with aromatic spices including garlic and coriander then deep-fried to achieve crispy skin while maintaining juicy meat inside. It is traditionally served with sticky rice and topped with crispy fried shallots creating a balanced combination of textures and flavors. This culinary specialty originates from Hat Yai city in Songkhla province and has long been popular throughout Thailand before gaining international attention through Lisa’s endorsement.
The Songkhla Provincial Public Relations Office has highlighted Lisa’s shoutout as an example of Thai soft power working effectively through culinary culture. The dish represents more than just food as it carries cultural significance and represents Southern Thai culinary traditions. The office celebrated the newfound global attention as a positive development for promoting Thai culture and cuisine internationally.
Lisa’s Recent Activities and Career Moves
Lisa has been maintaining a busy schedule following the changes in her professional arrangements with YG Entertainment. Although BLACKPINK as a group remains with YG Entertainment, the individual members have pursued different paths for their solo careers. Lisa established her own label called LLOUD and signed with RCA Records for her international solo promotions. She has released several solo tracks including “Rockstar” and “New Woman” featuring Rosalía, and dropped her first studio album “Alter Ego” in February 2025.
The album featured “Fxck Up The World (FUTW)” as its lead single and included collaborations with major international artists like Doja Cat, Tyla, Megan Thee Stallion, and Future. Lisa has also expanded her career into acting, making her debut as the Hotel Keeper in the third installment of HBO’s popular series “White Lotus” in February 2025. Most recently, in July 2025, Lisa reunited with her BLACKPINK members for their single “JUMP” and participated in the group’s 2025 DEADLINE World Tour.
The world tour recently completed its first leg with a headline concert at Wembley Stadium in London on August 16. YG Entertainment has already announced dates and venues for the second leg of the tour scheduled to begin in October 2025 with stops in Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong. Lisa also released her latest single “DREAM” in August 2025 with a music video featuring Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi.
The Economic Impact of Celebrity Endorsements
This incident demonstrates the significant economic impact that celebrity endorsements can have on local products and cuisines. When global stars like Lisa recommend specific items, it often leads to immediate increased interest and commercial benefits for those products. The “Lisa effect” has been observed multiple times previously with other products seeing dramatic sales increases after her endorsement.
Industry observers have noted that such endorsements can provide substantial boosts to local businesses and culinary traditions. The viral nature of social media allows for rapid spread of these recommendations, creating instant trends that can have measurable economic impacts. For Thai cuisine specifically, this represents another instance of international recognition for the country’s diverse culinary offerings.
The phenomenon also highlights how cultural elements can gain global popularity through celebrity influence, creating opportunities for greater cultural exchange and appreciation. As fans around the world seek to try Hat Yai fried chicken based on Lisa’s recommendation, they are also engaging with Thai culture and traditions through culinary exploration.
Credits: Pattaya Mail, Music Mundial
