In our monthly series 'Getting Moderately Deep With... ' we ask a food vendor tough questions. Well, sort-of tough.
This month, we speak with Chen Cheng, who owns a noodle restaurant on Chunxiu Lu in Beijing.
How are you feeling today?
Really great – I just got back from Japan.
What’s the first thing you thought when you woke up this morning?
I have to walk my dog. Every morning, that’s my first thought.
Who is your best customer?
We have a lot of lovely customers – some are very loyal and come here every day. Their support really reinforces what we’re doing.
Who are your worst customers?
Probably people from my hometown. Our signature noodle dish is reganmian [hot dry noodles], which comes from Hubei province. When people from my hometown come here, they don’t understand why it’s 20 kuai a bowl. They forget we’re in Beijing. Everything is more expensive here, like rent and wages, and we only use the best ingredients – like chilies from Sichuan. But I get that they want to try the dish out to see if it’s any good, because I would do the same.
Which living person do you most admire?
The Japanese artist Takehiko Inoue. This artwork I painted [points behind him], was inspired by his style. I like him because of his rich mind and heart. It took him 10 years to finish one work. It reminds me that I should live simply and try to do everything well.
What is your idea of the perfect day?
I often do things I enjoy – like, riding my motorcycle or painting – so I’ve already had many blissful days.
When and where are you happiest?
When I was in Japan. I like the smaller, quieter areas that have kept their traditional culture and nature.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to fly.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being completely independent. I have financial and personal freedom.
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?
I’d like to buy my own house.
What is your most treasured possession?
My health.
What trait do you most value in a person?
Honesty.
What is it that you most dislike?
I don’t let things bother me. Two sentences I’ve learnt this year that have been particularly useful are: it’s none of my business, and it’s none of your business.
What is your motto?
It’s this… [shows us his tattoo] ‘If you view desire as a demon, it will be a hindrance; if you think of it as being a part of yourself, you will find relief; if you see it as being empty, you will be free.’ It means you shouldn’t become sick with desire and instead be satisfied with what you have.
What always makes you laugh?
Whenever I’m having fun.
What’s the most surprising thing that’s happened to you?
How my life has turned out. It’s so different than when I first came to Beijing in 2005, when I was only earning RMB1,500 a month.
Which era of Beijing’s history would you most like to have lived in?
I’d like to go back to the future.
Who is your hero?
Iron Man.
Try Chen’s reganmian at Morning in Beijing
Photo by Dominique Wong
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