100HappyWords_32_HappyDragon

Red décor is the first sign.

Are there red and gold lanterns?

What’s the vintage of the cabinets – pre-1970s laminate?

And the furniture – is it functional rather than fancy?

All my adult life I’ve been seeking a flavour – Chicken Chow Mein of my childhood – and it only seems to exist in Chinese restaurants that look a bit 1970s.

Sure, the dish is on menus but the distinct flavour has disappeared.

The most popular theory is the removal of MSG, or perhaps the influence of Vietnamese-style cooking and flavours, but I reckon it’s the absence of cabbage: Delicious, stir-fried cabbage. Mmmm.

100happydays + 100words = 100happywords

You are reading 100happywords