mijobooks Chapter 73: To restore the aroma of crispy rice, I bought a tin can.
Chapter 73: To restore the aroma of crispy rice, I bought a tin can.
Afterwards, Xu Liang took a train back to Chengdu.
He arrived at his own small restaurant.
Not only did the agreed-upon potatoes arrive, but the small restaurant initially couldn't store them all, so they asked an acquaintance in town to store them in his warehouse.
The evening breeze swept through the streets and alleys, finally passing by Xu Liang's snack cart.
This time, he not only wants to build a reputation for his small restaurant, but also plans to open a late-night food stall in front of it.
The potato stall, which had been incredibly popular all night, received rave reviews as soon as it opened.
However, tomorrow is quietly approaching.
Aunt Lu was cleaning up the remaining ingredients in the kitchen, sorting and organizing the leftover Tongchuan potatoes from the day.
A few slightly dry, substandard pieces are selected and kept as side dishes for the restaurant.
Sun Zhonglei skillfully counted all the day's revenue, neatly arranging the banknotes.
After carefully sorting and storing everything, he went to the front hall, found Xu Liang, and quietly reported the accounts.
"Boss, today's potato snacks have a net profit of 82%, and the revenue from dine-in rice bowls is the same as usual, but overall it is nearly 30% higher than usual."
In just one day, the newly added potato snack side business steadily boosted the store's revenue, and customers kept coming in, with many returning customers.
Many customers lingered after finishing their meals, repeatedly saying they would come again the next day, which is enough to prove that this small business has completely established itself.
Xu Liang leaned against the door frame of the restaurant, watching the gradually thinning crowd on the street.
"The flow is good, but we can push it a little higher."
He spoke slowly.
"Potato snacks are a great way to attract customers. If we want to take the dine-in business to the next level, we need a core staple dish that can truly stand out and that customers will always crave."
Upon hearing this, Sun Zhonglei began to feel puzzled!
Nowadays, the store's main offerings are home-style rice bowls. Classic dishes such as shredded pork with garlic sauce and twice-cooked pork have been perfected to perfection, with consistent flavor and high cost-performance.
Ultimately, these are the most common fast food options in county towns in Sichuan and Chongqing; you can find them in every restaurant along the street.
It lacks a unique identity that truly defines "Xiao Liangzi Restaurant".
"Boss, are you saying... we need to change our approach to staple foods?" Sun Zhonglei asked tentatively.
Xu Liang nodded, his gaze falling on the large iron pot in the kitchen where sauces were simmered year-round, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes.
"People from Sichuan and Chongqing value the smoky aroma and flavor of a wok when they eat."
Nowadays, the rice in our rice bowls is all steamed. It's soft and sticky, but it lacks that crispy, caramelized bottom and that irresistible smokiness from the rice crust.
These words instantly woke Sun Zhonglei up.
Yes!
In the 1990s, the older generation in Sichuan and Chongqing counties always remembered the aroma of rice cooked in an iron pot.
On the wood-fired stove, the iron pot is heated to a rolling scald. After the rice and water are mixed, the heat is turned down to simmer slowly. When a layer of golden and crispy rice crust forms on the bottom of the pot, the whole kitchen will be filled with a rich aroma of rice and char.
That's the smoky aroma of steamed rice that can never be replicated; it's a memory etched into the taste buds of a generation.
"But we're using a gas stove now, not a wood-fired stove, so how can we make that crispy rice crust?"
Sun Zhonglei hesitated for a moment.
"Moreover, the heat of a gas stove is difficult to control, and the rice can easily burn if you're not careful, which is counterproductive."
"So, we need to find a substitute."
Xu Liang's tone was very certain.
"Not all crispy rice requires firewood; the key is to have a cooker that can retain heat and bring out a crispy, fragrant bottom."
He remembered seeing a type of iron pot in eastern Sichuan in his previous life, specifically used for cooking rice with crispy rice crusts. It had excellent heat retention, was compatible with gas stoves, and produced rice that was both fragrant and had crispy rice crusts, not much different from rice cooked on a wood-fired stove.
Sun Zhonglei's eyes lit up instantly.
"Does such a thing really exist? We need to go find it right away! If we can really make this kind of crispy rice, it will definitely become our restaurant's star dish!"
"It's not just about searching, it's about precise selection!"
Xu Liang stood up and dusted off the corner of his clothes.
"These tin cans are very particular; the size, thickness, and material are all important. If they're even slightly off, you won't be able to get that right flavor."
"I'm going to Chengdu tomorrow specifically to find these tin cans, and while I'm at it, I'll check out the local food and beverage market to see if there are any new business opportunities."
He had already planned his trip.
The potato supply in Tongchuan has been stabilized, and Aunt Lu has mastered the standardized way of making potato snacks, so the daily operation of the store can temporarily be separated from his close supervision.
Take advantage of this free time to make a trip to Chengdu, where you can finalize the purchase of the tin cans.
It also allows you to experience the city's food and beverage trends, providing inspiration for future store expansion.
"Then be careful on your journey. If there are suitable sources of goods in Chengdu, we'll stock up on more."
Sun Zhonglei quickly said, and then gave further instructions.
"If it gets late, stay overnight in Chengdu and come back. Don't travel at night."
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Xu Liang smiled, his eyes full of composure.
"I'll pack my things and leave now."
That evening, Xu Liang returned to his small courtyard.
As usual, it was just the three of them.
He packed his bags quickly and changed into a clean set of blue overalls.
At this point, Zhao Hongzhi asked, "Are you going on another business trip?"
Xu Liang said he was going to look for business opportunities in small restaurants, and Zhao Hongzhi had no choice but to agree when she saw that her son was so willing to work hard.
As he was leaving, he lightly gestured with his fingertips on the table, gesturing the size and style of the famous tin cans, repeatedly considering his selection criteria.
Xu Liang carried a simple canvas bag and walked along the street toward the bus station.
The streets were not yet fully bustling, with only a few breakfast shops having packed up their stalls.
Steam still rises from the edge of the steamer, but the aroma of soy milk and fried dough sticks cannot be smelled in the streets and alleys.
Xu Liang passed by an old shop, bought two bags of instant bread, and ate them as he walked, his steps light and quick.
When I arrived at the bus station, there were already quite a few passengers inside.
In 1995, the town's bus station didn't have the spacious waiting hall it has today; it was just an open cement floor with a few long benches.
Several old cars were parked on the side.
Xu Liang bought a ticket to Chengdu for 8.5 yuan, with a journey of more than three hours.
He found a bench in a corner and sat down, patiently waiting for the bus to depart. Beside him was an old farmer carrying a bamboo basket and holding vegetables he had grown himself, heading to Chengdu to sell.
Across from me was a young couple, carrying backpacks, chattering about their itinerary for visiting Chengdu.
Not far away, several workers in overalls were squatting on the ground smoking and chatting about trivial matters in the factory.
As Xu Liang watched all this, a faint smile unconsciously crept onto his lips. These vibrant glimpses of everyday life were the most precious foundation of his stories, and the source of strength that sustained him step by step forward.
"The bus is departing from Chengdu! This is the last one this morning, so hurry and get on!"
The ticket inspector's voice broke the silence of the waiting area.
Xu Liang stood up, picked up his canvas bag, and followed the crowd toward the car door.
The old bus door creaked open, and he found a seat by the window. The passenger next to him was holding a large cardboard box filled with all sorts of small commodities.
The bus slowly started moving, leaving the bus station and heading forward along the winding road.
The scenery outside the window gradually changed from the familiar streets of the county town to endless fields.
Green hills and clear waters slowly pass by, and scattered farmhouses and old farmers herding cattle by the roadside flash by.
Xu Liang leaned against the car window, gazing out the window, but his mind was constantly pondering the key points for selecting the tin can.
These tin cans for making crispy rice are not commonly found on the market; you have to go to the old kitchenware market in Chengdu to find them.
He recalled that there was an old kitchenware market near the City God Temple in Chengdu, which contained many old-fashioned cooking utensils, including both practical old items and old craftsmanship bearing the marks of time.
There's a high probability he'll find a tin can that meets his requirements there.
After about an hour's drive, we finally arrived at Rongcheng North Gate Bus Station at around 10 a.m.
After getting off the bus, you are greeted by the unique liveliness and prosperity of Chengdu.
Compared to county towns in eastern Sichuan, Chengdu has wider streets, taller buildings, and more fashionable clothing among its pedestrians.
Old-fashioned motorcycles, bicycles, and buses shuttle back and forth.
The shops lined the streets one after another.
There were vendors selling snacks, clothing, and street stalls.
The place was bustling with activity and filled with lively chatter.
Xu Liang took a deep breath, the air filled with the unique aroma of hot pot and snacks of Chengdu.
The familiar smell of cooking fires once again assaulted his nostrils.
Without delay, he boarded the bus heading to the City God Temple.
More than half an hour later, the bus stopped at the City God Temple station.
Xu Liang got off the car and walked along a narrow street. Soon he saw the bustling old kitchenware market.
At the market entrance, there was a row of closely packed stalls displaying various kitchen utensils such as iron pots, casseroles, cutting boards, and knives. The stall owners enthusiastically called out to attract customers.
Further in, there are rows of small shops facing the street.
The shop is filled with a wide variety of old-fashioned cooking utensils.
Xu Liang plunged into the market, his eyes scanning the surroundings, carefully searching for his target.
He first visited several shops selling iron pots, and the shop owners enthusiastically introduced their products.
There were cast iron pots, stainless steel pots, and enamel pots, but none of them were the kind of iron can he was looking for.
"Boss, do you have those tin cans specifically for making crispy rice at the bottom? The kind that come with a stand."
Xu Liang walked into a shop and asked the master craftsman who was polishing an iron pot.
The old master looked up, sized him up, and grinned.
"Young man, you've come to the right place! This kind of tin can is what older generations in eastern Sichuan used for cooking rice. It retains heat well, making the rice very fragrant. It's just that fewer young people use it nowadays. What size do you need?"
"We need to check the size; let me look at the sample first."
Xu Liang said.
The experienced craftsman turned around, took a metal can from the shelf, and placed it on the counter.
This is a cylindrical iron can, dark gray in color, with some mottled rust marks on the surface, indicating that it is an old object that has been around for quite some time.
The tin can is about 15 centimeters high and about 20 centimeters in diameter. The edge of the mouth of the can is rolled up for easy opening and closing, and the body of the can is thick and sturdy.
"This is it!"
Xu Liang's eyes lit up. He reached out and gently touched the tin can. It felt cool and hard, with a uniform thickness.
"The thickness of this tin can is just right, so its heat retention effect must be excellent."
He picked up the tin can, held it up to the sunlight to examine the walls, and confirmed there were no cracks. He then shook it, and there was no loose sound inside; it was very sturdy.
"How much is this tin can?"
Xu Liang asked.
"This old tin can costs fifteen yuan."
The old master said.
"The support frame at the bottom costs ten yuan a set. The frame is made of cast iron, which is just right to hold the iron can. It's perfect for use on a gas stove, as it can concentrate the heat at the bottom of the can, resulting in a layer of golden and crispy rice crust at the bottom of the cooked rice. It smells wonderful."
Xu Liang nodded. This price wasn't cheap in 1995, but considering the thickness of the tin cans, they still had practical value and were definitely worth the money.
"I need two tin cans and two sets of stands."
Xu Liang said decisively.
"One larger and one smaller."
Large pots of rice are served, while smaller pots offer smaller portions to meet the needs of different customers.
He thought that the number of customers dining in the store varied, with some customers eating alone and others sharing meals with others.
"Okay!"
The experienced worker readily agreed and turned to the shelf to select suitable tin cans and stands.
Xu Liang stood aside, carefully examining the other kitchen utensils in the shop.
The walls of the shop are decorated with various old-fashioned cooking utensils, including copper kettles, tin pots, a large bamboo steamer, and some old-fashioned cutting boards with carvings, each exuding the texture of time.
He couldn't resist picking up a small copper pot. The pot was decorated with simple patterns and was exquisitely crafted. It felt heavy in his hand.
"Boss, how much is this copper kettle?"
Xu Liang asked.
"This copper kettle, forty dollars."
The experienced craftsman handed over the selected tin can and stand, and said with a smile.
"Young man, you have a good eye. This copper kettle is made with traditional craftsmanship and is perfect for boiling water and making tea."
Xu Liang smiled, didn't haggle, paid the money, and carefully put the two iron cans, two sets of stands, and the copper kettle into the cloth bag he had prepared in advance.
The tin can and the stand were small enough to fit perfectly, and the cloth bag was stretched bulging.
After buying the kitchenware, Xu Liang did not leave immediately, but continued to stroll around the market.
He wanted to see what the differences were between Chengdu's catering market and those of county towns in eastern Sichuan, and whether there were any aspects worth learning from them.
As he strolled around, he came to a shop selling Sichuan snacks, where a long queue had formed in front of the shop.
Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a vendor selling egg pancakes.
In Chengdu in 1995, egg pancakes were already a well-known snack. The outer skin was crispy and the inside was soft and chewy. They were filled with meat floss, pickled vegetables, ham and other fillings, and were loved by men, women and children of all ages.
Xu Liang queued up to buy an egg pancake filled with pork floss. He took a bite and found that the crispy outer layer was wrapped around the rich pork floss, which was sweet and delicious, quite different from the snacks in the county town of eastern Sichuan.
He ate while observing the shop's business model.
The shop is run by a middle-aged couple who skillfully make egg pancakes with precise control of the heat, ensuring each pancake is baked to a golden brown and crispy perfection.
The shop's signboard is eye-catching, and the prices are affordable at 1.5 yuan each, making it extremely cost-effective.
Xu Liang's heart stirred.
Egg pancakes are easy to make and require simple ingredients, so you can easily introduce them into your own shop.
As a side dish for breakfast or afternoon tea, it can not only enrich the variety of snacks in the store, but also increase revenue.
He silently noted down the key points for making egg pancakes, and then continued browsing.
Over the next few hours, Xu Liang wandered through the old kitchenware market near the City God Temple and the surrounding streets and alleys, carefully observing the catering industry in Chengdu.
He saw the old shops selling Zhong dumplings and Long wontons, the bustling hot pot restaurants, and the various specialty snack stalls set up on the street.
Wherever he went, he took careful notes, keeping in mind everything he saw, heard, and learned.
This fresh market information is an important reference for his future expansion of his small restaurant.
Around 3 p.m., Xu Liang estimated that it was about time, so he picked up his cloth bag and headed to Rongcheng Railway Station.
He was going to take the bus back to town.
The county's bus station was bustling with activity, with people coming and going, shoulder to shoulder.
The station was filled with announcements and conversations among passengers.
Several white metal vehicles were parked on the platform.
The car body is worn and tattered, yet it carries the dreams of countless people to return home.
Unfortunately, due to the large passenger flow in 1995, it was difficult for Xu Liang to buy a ticket for a seat in the front.
He found a spot at the back and stood there patiently, waiting for the bus to depart.
The people around me were travelers carrying large and small bags, who were probably all returning to their hometown or other towns.
People gathered in small groups, chatting and sharing snacks, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
The bus will depart precisely at 4:00 PM.
Xu Liang leaned against the car window, thinking that this trip to Chengdu had yielded far more benefits than he had expected.
Not only did they find suitable tin cans and stands, but they also gained insight into Chengdu's food market and identified potential snack categories to introduce.
As the bus traveled westward, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from a bustling city to rolling rural fields.
As the sun sets, golden sunlight bathes the earth, creating a breathtaking scene.
Xu Liang leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.
I was organizing my plans for the future.
Upon returning to town, the first step was to install the tin can and support in place, repeatedly test the heat and time for making crispy rice, and establish a standardized operating procedure.
We ensure that every pot of rice produces a golden, crispy crust, with a consistent texture that is neither burnt nor mushy.
We introduced egg pancakes into the store, organized employees to learn the production process, and developed a standard recipe.
Enrich the variety of snacks in the store to attract more young customers.
Combining potato snacks and crispy rice, we've launched a set meal.
For example, offering potato snacks and crispy rice can increase the average order value while meeting diverse customer needs.
Based on the experience gained from our visit to Chengdu, we optimized the restaurant's menu and services.
Drawing inspiration from the innovative ideas of Chengdu snacks, we made minor adjustments to the existing rice bowls and launched several new flavors to attract repeat customers.
This will further expand the potato supply, allow us to cooperate with more farmers, and establish a more stable supply channel.
At the same time, we will explore the takeaway business of potato snacks.
We expanded our sales channels by taking advantage of the landline phone ordering system that had just emerged in 1995.
One plan after another gradually became clear in Xu Liang's mind, each step interconnected and progressing step by step.
His gaze grew increasingly determined, and his heart was filled with enthusiasm.
……
After getting off the bus, Xu Liang carried the cloth bag and walked quickly toward Xu's Restaurant.
As night deepened, streetlights illuminated the streets, casting a warm glow on the cobblestones and adding a touch of coziness to the night.
Restaurants and food stalls along the streets of the town gradually opened for business, and the lively atmosphere began to rise.
From afar, Xu Liang could see his small restaurant; the snack cart at the entrance was still there.
However, the wooden sign that used to promote potato snacks has long been taken back into the small restaurant.
Xu Liang looked closely and saw that they had all left work.
Then he returned on his own.
The entire street gradually quieted down.
Aunt Lu and Sun Zhonglei had already finished packing up and gone home, leaving the restaurant door half-closed.
Only one dim streetlamp was lit, and the place was deserted, lacking the liveliness of the daytime.
Xu Liang raised his hand and pushed open the glass door.
A faint aroma of potatoes mingled with the lingering fragrance of the food prepared during the day wafted over.
The tables and chairs inside the store were arranged neatly, the floor was swept clean, and the kitchen stove was tidy.
The kitchen utensils were neatly arranged, showing that the people working were meticulous and that they finished each day's tasks very efficiently.
He gently placed the cloth bag he brought back from Chengdu on the wooden table in the front hall, unwrapped it, and two heavy iron rice cookers and two sets of cast iron stands were quietly placed in front of him.
The can is thick and cold, made of solid materials, which is exactly the kind of good item he carefully selected.
After a long day of travel, I went from the county town to Chengdu, visiting kitchenware markets and investigating the catering industry.
After a bumpy ride back, Xu Liang was inevitably a little tired, but he felt exceptionally at ease.
This trip, however, was still very meaningful.
First, they established a long-term supply channel for selenium-rich potatoes in Tongchuan, ensuring stable storage of large quantities of goods, so that there is no longer any need to worry about food shortages or inconsistent quality.
It was precisely because of these high-quality potatoes that the night market stall in front of the store became an overnight sensation, spreading its reputation and making Xu's Restaurant famous throughout the entire street, with its daily turnover steadily increasing and revenue growing significantly.
Then I went to Chengdu, which broadened my horizons.
The catering models, snack categories, and business strategies in big cities are far more flexible and diverse than those in small towns. Light snacks like egg pancakes are suitable for all ages, simple to make, and inexpensive. They can be incorporated into the store's future business plan to enrich the snack category and broaden revenue channels.
The philosophy of established restaurants focusing on developing their signature dishes and building their brand has further convinced Xu Liang that for a restaurant to survive in the long run, it must have a core strength that others cannot imitate.
The iron pot rice crust is his signature dish, tailor-made for his own restaurant.
Ordinary steamed rice bowls are readily available, and the market is highly homogenized. Competing on price and portion size makes it difficult to gain an advantage.
But the iron pot rice, with its aroma of firewood and smoke, has a golden, crispy crust at the bottom and soft, flavorful rice. Paired with Tongchuan's unique soft and glutinous potatoes and classic Sichuan and Chongqing home-style dishes, the flavor is simply amazing.
Unique flavors, unique utensils, and unique cooking methods are the foundation that allows Xu Ji Restaurant to stand firm and continue to gain popularity.
Xu Liang walked into the kitchen and looked at the neatly stacked Tongchuan potatoes in the basket. Each potato was round and plump, with a yellow flesh and a good appearance.
With a steady supply of high-quality ingredients and the upcoming launch of the new crispy rice dish, the small shop's development path has suddenly become clear.
Tomorrow morning, I will adjust the heat of the tin can, repeatedly experiment with the method of making crispy rice, and finalize the standard procedure.
We will gradually add more snack items and optimize the food preparation process.
We have long maintained a cooperative relationship with the potato-producing area of Tongchuan, focusing on local specialty ingredients, and creating affordable street food with a quality and reputation that others cannot match.
A small potato from eastern Sichuan connects the mountains and the town.
By harnessing the power of everyday life, countless business opportunities are generated.
Xu Liang closed the doors and windows. The night was deep and the streets were quiet.
He gradually returned home.
Along the way, he pondered his plans for tomorrow, and how many pounds of potatoes he still had.
Even a small restaurant like mine can't handle that much food.
So he came up with a good idea.
That means it will be distributed to other shops in the town.
They sell at a high price and profit from the middleman's markup.