Shing Hing Tai Rice Shop
“Rice shops” are clearly a sign of the times from an older
generation. People in the past liked to order rice from these
shops, not only because they liked the rice fragrance there,
but they also liked the human touch; a sack of rice filled with
personal touches will be more delicious. At the ground floor of
Block 19, Shek Kip Mei Estate, there is a traditional rice shop
called “Shing Hing Tai”. Mr. Wong Tak Kam, 65 years-old, is
the shop owner, and he insists on attending to all matters personally.
When rice arrives he would use the blower machine,
which has a history of more than 3 decades, to blow away the
impurities from the rice.
“There are only some five or seven rice shops left in Hong
Kong with this know-how”, Mr. Wong said. When instant noodles
hit the market and supermarkets became popular, business
of the rice shop declined, and now only he and his wife
are left to look after the shop. Although business is tough, Mr.
Wong is still glad to hold on, together with his wife. He insists
on cleaning the rice with the traditional blower, and ensures
that the rice he sells to be clean and without impurities. Even
though he is past sixty, Mr. Wong does not think about retirement,
and is happy to ride on his bicycle every day, to deliver
rice and groceries to his customers personally.
