Ho Ying-sun (right) prepares free food coupons for medical and construction workers from the Chinese mainland helping Hong Kong fight the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of a Legislative Council member. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
HONG KONG – Deeply moved by the thousands of medical personnel and construction workers from the Chinese mainland helping Hong Kong through its turbulent times, Ho Ying-sun, proprietor of a snack stall in San Po Kong, Kowloon, plans to hand out 3,000 free coupons to mainland volunteers, inviting them to relish the local snacks — and the city’s mojo.
“The coupon has no expiration date,” Ho said with a grin. “They can come anytime they want. I hope they can travel to the city after the pandemic calms.”
The 3,000 coupons, which were crafted with the help of Chan Wing-yan, a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, will be distributed by mail to individuals and organizations that helped Hong Kong win the pandemic battle. The groups include the China State Construction Engineering Corp, which helped the city build makeshift hospitals and isolation facilities.
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In the proverbially sought-after “food paradise” city, food means a lot. More than filling the tummy, food punctuates the frantic hustle and bustle in Hong Kong, inviting everyone on the go to pause a while, to banter with strangers, to bond with friends, and to eat while people-watching. The element of human touch, usually drowned in the hubbub, is an essential part of the city’s personality.
I want those mainland people (helping Hong Kong combat the pandemic) to access those characteristics of Hong Kong through our gai daan zai (egg waffles).
Ho Ying-sun, HK snack stall owner
“I’m very touched by the medical workers and volunteers from the Chinese mainland coming to Hong Kong’s aid in the worst wave of the pandemic. Without them, Hong Kong could hardly have pull through the trying times on our own,” Ho said in earnest. “But coming to our city without the chance to savor our food is a shame. I want them to feel the friendliness and warmth radiating in the city, which is best delivered by food, particularly street snacks.”
Humbly shoehorned between a fruit stall and a residential building in San Po Kong, Kowloon, a nondescript snack stall lures passersby to stop in their tracks with a tantalizing creamy aroma wafting right from the iron pan operated by Ho. Unlike other street stalls peddling an array of local savory and sweet treats, Ho specializes in gai daan zai (egg waffles).
“Gai daan zai is one the most iconic street snacks in Hong Kong,” Ho said. The ubiquitous sight of people tucking in the golden brown pancake wrapped in a paper bag or popping each “egg bubble” in their mouths lends a peek into the playful, amicable, agreeable and laid-back layer of Hong Kong, which is often sidetracked by the intense tempo defining the city. “I want those mainland people (helping Hong Kong combat the pandemic) to access those characteristics of Hong Kong through our gai daan zai,” said Ho.
Not usually talkative nor expressive, Ho has been using his gesture of kindness to support the most vulnerable communities. He’s organized fundraising four months a year since 2020, donating all the money to Children’s Cancer Foundation. On his storefront window sticks an advertisement saying, “As long as I don’t go bankrupt, I will persistently donate the raised money to the foundation to help children in need. As this is for donation, no change accepted, please.” Ho also raises money for green organizations to promote environmental causes.
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“I spent several years working in Wuhan, recycling printers. I fondly remember how kind the people are, who treated me like family and helped me with no condition attached,” Ho said poignantly.
“I’ll never forget. It’s time to return the favor.”