By Jialei Tang, 08/04/2016. The small independent shops may be gaining popularity in Williamsburg, where millennials who wish to stand out from the mainstream consumers patronize. Here, in the small town of Shantou, it is the backbone of many households, the fabric of neighbourhoods.
This old beancurd store is a specialty in Shantou. It began with the owner selling a bucket a day on a cart. As his business grew thanks to word of mouth, he started selling two buckets. Then, demand grew as the word spread and Shantou prospered, and now they have a storefront standing in the old neighbourhood of the city.
I managed to catch the last two bowls of the day at 4:40pm on a Saturday after a little begging with the current owner, whose father started the business. Now, this store is known by every Shantou resident.
Here is a old sesame and almond paste store. Their green bean cake is also famous, handmade daily without preservatives. I prefer their sesame cake though, much stronger in character.
These old stores exist in old, old buildings. To think that Shantou is in a earthquake and tsunami zone. I can never imagine what will become of my birthplace should nature strike. I worry for the safety of the residents and business owners. And the comforting culture that this delicate landscape supports.