An aroma of sidewalk booth

By Vanessa, Chan Weng Hun

When Lo Bon Long got married with his wife 32 years ago, he had no idea that he would take over the business of his father-in-law in cooking congee. He knew nothing about cooking, and the neighbors had no confidence in him. With 32 years of hard work, Lo's sidewalk congee booth "Seng Kei" has become one of the favorite spots for Macao people and even foreigners.
The sidewalk booth provides traditional types of congee which people can rarely find elsewhere nowadays. The most special part about Lo's congee is that Lo still persists to cook with firewood, even though it is difficult to get firewood and inconvenient in using it. However, there are advantages in firewood cooking. Lo explained, "Comparing with the usage of gas, firewood helps to make the texture of congee softer within a shorter period of time."
Moreover, comparing with many other restaurants, the couples buy fresh ingredients like meat from the market everyday even though fresh meat costs more than frozen meat. Lo stated, "Fresh ingredients make the food more delicious." Although he has to pay higher prices for fresh ingredients, his congee is about similar in price as those with frozen meat.
Even under the temperature of more than 30 degree Celsius, people still enjoy their congee in the booth which has no air-conditioning and chat happily with Lo. Sitting in this narrow lane, people feel closer to each other; they can retrieve the local flavor or feeling of Macao. Comparing with the magnificent and high-end restaurants, the street booth has no decorations, but people can enjoy the warmth of being together and feel much more relaxed.
Besides, the friendliness of Lo towards his customers can rarely be found in any other restaurant. Whenever there is a great gathering of distinguished guests or old friends, Lo would be very excited and even sing English songs or Chinese Opera to express his happiness. No matter customers are important persons or simple neighbors, they can all feel his joy and affection.
Many people would think that Lo has made a great accomplishment during the past 32 years, and 61-year-old Lo answered humbly, "I am grateful towards the appreciation of every customer." His simplicity and optimism are explicit; as a matter of fact, he still cherishes a little wish - to receive the "Order of Merit in Traveling'' from the government.