Tucked away in one of Hsinchu’s military dependents’ villages is a restaurant beloved for its northeastern Chinese food. Originally from China, Yu Ying decided to open the noodle shop over 20 years ago to support her family. She serves favorites from her hometown like giant dumplings, wraps and fried rice, but with a twist. Since it doubled as her family kitchen, she makes everything a little healthier, without too much oil, salt or MSG.
When mealtime arrives, the kitchen is like a welloiled machine. The side dishes are lined up neatly in the front, all aiming to satisfy hungry diners.
This is the owner of the popular Hsinchu restaurant, Yu Ying from Shandong. She opened the shop to help support her family after marrying into the military dependents’ village. She sells a dizzying array of northeastern Chinese foods, from noodles, dumplings and hot and sour soup, to wraps and even fried rice.
Yu Ying
Chinese immigrant
When I moved here, my motherinlaw lived with us. If I didn’t have time to go back and cook for her, she’d come downstairs to eat. We never use MSG because all my staff and family eat here, so we want to make it healthier, without so much oil and salt.
Their specialty is that northern staple, dumplings. Yu still insists on making them by hand. After stretching the wrapper taut, she places a generous heap of filling and pinches it closed with both hands. It’s a skill she’s been training since she was a child.
Yu Ying
Chinese immigrant
All at once. Just put one hand on top and press, that’s it.
What started as a singleperson operation over 20 years ago now employs a dozen employees. To keep things running smoothly, the kitchen layout has been carefully considered.
Yu Ying
Chinese immigrant
We have two boiling stations, one for dumplings and wontons, and the other for noodles. One person is in charge of each. This way we can go fast.
She has developed her own management philosophy that not only ensures consistent quality, but also a dedicated staff with minimal turnover.
Yu Ying
Chinese immigrant
In a small business, everyone helps out. Anyone can do anything, but sometimes the customer gets overlooked. Yet if you do the same thing every day, you’ll get better at it. They’ll eventually get comfortable, and will be proficient at every aspect of their job.
The food she serves her customers is also what her family loves to eat, serving up the real deal that is also healthy. Yu’s belief has never wavered as she keeps the flavors of her home alive and well.
This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund
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