In the bustling city of Quanzhou on the Chinese mainland, the enticing aroma of a classic Taiwan snack wafts through the air, drawing locals and visitors alike to a quaint eatery. Behind the counter stand Cheng Chuan-yang and his brother, Cheng Yao-yu, who have journeyed from their hometown in Taiwan to share their grandfather’s cherished recipe with a new audience.
“We wanted to bring a taste of our home to the mainland,” says Chuan-yang, carefully preparing their signature dish. “It’s more than just food; it’s a piece of our family’s history.”
The brothers grew up savoring their grandfather’s culinary creations, each bite steeped in family tradition. Inspired by the warmth and joy these meals brought to their own lives, they decided to embark on an adventure to Quanzhou, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry and openness to new flavors.
Their decision to start a business on the Chinese mainland wasn’t made lightly. “We knew there would be challenges,” admits Yao-yu. “But the desire to share our family heritage was stronger than any uncertainty.”
The eatery quickly became a local favorite, with residents praising the authentic flavors and the brothers’ heartfelt hospitality. Among the many patrons is Liu Xin, a reporter from CGTN, who recently visited to sample the renowned snack.
“Tasting their dish was like experiencing a story,” Liu Xin remarked. “You can feel the love and tradition in every bite.”
The success of the Cheng brothers’ venture signifies more than personal achievement; it represents a bridge across the Taiwan Strait, fostering connections through the universal language of food.
“Our goal is to create a ‘small bridge’ between people,” says Chuan-yang with a smile. “We hope that through our grandfather’s recipe, we can share a piece of Taiwan’s culture and bring people closer together.”
As they continue to win hearts and palates in Quanzhou, the Cheng brothers embody the spirit of cultural exchange, serving as a testament to the bonds that can form when we share our stories and traditions.
Reference(s):
Building a "small bridge across the Straits" with "Grandpa's recipe"
cgtn.com
