The documentary series “Hong Kong Series: Small But Always Good” premieres its latest episode tonight, hosted by Yuen Siu Cheung, featuring visits to three unique establishments in the city: a Fujian restaurant in Quarry Bay, a traditional machine factory in Tai Kok Tsui, and a nature-focused bookstore in Kam Tin, each embodying the spirit of community and perseverance.
A Home Away From Home in Quarry Bay
Mrs. Li runs the Fujian restaurant “Sweet Home” in Quarry Bay with a singular mission: to create a warm gathering place for her fellow villagers and local customers. She insists on selecting fresh, premium ingredients for her dishes, including the “Goddess Roll,” a spring roll she innovated to incorporate vegetables for her daughter. Initially sold for only 15 Hong Kong dollars, it now costs 25, but she considers it a charitable venture rather than a purely profitable one.
“I want people to feel like they’re at home,” she explains. “It’s always been my dream.”
During the winter solstice, she served tangyuan, or sweet soup balls, to a lonely customer who was moved to tears. That moment reinforced her commitment to combatting isolation. Her daughter recognizes her mother’s selfless approach: “Mom doesn’t want to earn money; she wants people to eat well.” For Mrs. Li, seeing guests healthy and happy remains her greatest reward.
A Dying Trade in Tai Kok Tsui
In Tai Kok Tsui, a machine factory stands as a relic of Hong Kong’s industrial golden age. Second-generation owner A Guang learned the trade at 20 and has worked there for 30 years alongside master Ming Gor, who has 62 years of experience. They specialize in producing and repairing pump parts, taking pride in their precision.
“Completing something that others can’t gives you satisfaction,” says A Guang. “It’s like building a model.”
But the industry has plummeted from more than 1,000 factories in the 1970s to fewer than four today. The dirty, demanding work has no appeal for younger generations. “No one wants to join this trade,” laments Ming Gor. A Guang predicts his generation will be the last as he watches neighboring shops close one by one, uncertain when his own will follow.
A Bookstore Sanctuary in Kam Tin
For a different kind of refuge, viewers visit “Forest Breathing Bookstore” in Kam Tin, set in a lush natural environment. The space includes a book section, tea room, and outdoor area for gardening and feeding animals. Owner Sandy took over after the previous proprietor had run it for 10 years, immediately captivated by its simplicity.
“I wanted to create a sanctuary where people can forget their city worries,” she says.
She organizes summer camps where children explore nature and read without pressure. Her goal is for the bookstore to serve as a safe space for urbanites to release stress and reflect. Although her daughter Abby is unsure about inheriting it, Sandy maintains a “take it as it comes” attitude, focusing on offering visitors a place to be themselves.
Broader Implications
This episode underscores the resilience of small establishments that shape Hong Kong’s identity. From Mrs. Li’s nourishing home cooking to A Guang’s craft pride and Sandy’s tranquil retreat, these places offer comfort, purpose, and peace in a rapidly evolving city. They remind viewers of the enduring value of human connection, heritage, and carving out moments of quiet in daily life.
