Family-Run Tofu Shop Fong On, Founded In 1933, Is Embracing Its Past And Future – CBS New York
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – In Chinatown, a tofu store steeped in historical past is embracing what’s subsequent.
Paul Eng runs Fong On, a enterprise his grandfather began in Decrease Manhattan in 1933 and handed down by the generations.
“All by its historical past, it’s kind of tailored to the market,” Paul stated.
His grandfather had ready one particular person block of tofu at a time, utilizing heavy stones to extract the water. When Paul’s father took over, he scaled up, swapping stones for a pneumatic press.
Paul’s interpretation of the enterprise focuses on a ready-to-eat tofu bar providing freshly-made scorching or chilly tofu pudding with customizable toppings.
“Tofu pudding is, principally, actually ultra-soft tofu. We name it pudding as a result of it’s comparable in consistency,” he stated.
Pink bean, taro balls, and grass jelly add sweetness and shade. Plain tofu with candy syrup is a extra conventional Cantonese choice. However Paul’s private favourite is the savory model, topped with dried shrimp, pickled radish, fried shallots, contemporary scallions, sesame oil, and chili sauce for saltiness and spice.
Additionally on the menu are do-it-yourself soy milk and sticky, candy rice desserts in flavors like matcha and ginger.
Within the kitchen, Paul nonetheless makes tofu utilizing the barrels his grandfather purchased within the Forties. He feels linked to his predecessors by their shared livelihood.
“For me, it’s only a illustration of current a bit of bit longer with a household legacy and doing the identical factor that my household did earlier than, and for a similar cause: To help my household,” he stated.
The enterprise has a brand new location on Division Road. Paul appreciates this nook of Chinatown for the way in which it embodies his hopes for Fong On.
“It’s kind of one foot up to now and one foot sooner or later,” he stated.
Fong On
81 Division Road
New York, NY 10002
(917) 261-7222
https://www.facebook.com/fongon1933/
MORE NEWS: David Segal Violins: An Upper West Side Workshop Where Instruments Are Loved And Cared For
What’s one thing few folks find out about however everybody ought to? No matter it’s, Elle McLogan is monitoring it down on The Dig. Be a part of her hunt for treasures hidden throughout our space. Comply with Elle on Twitter and Instagram.
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/08/20/fong-on-the-dig/ | Household-Run Tofu Store Fong On, Based In 1933, Is Embracing Its Previous And Future – CBS New York
