Chinatowns are often portrayed as gritty underworlds riddled with prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking. Some of this is rooted in truth, but that unfair depiction is largely the result of rampant xenophobia and cultural ignorance, especially in the West.
In a series of articles, the Post explores the historical and social significance of major Chinatowns around the world and the communities that shape them.
In October 2023, the Tai Thong Cake Shop, a family-owned bakery in Singaporeโs Chinatown, closed after 73 years.
The bakery, famous for its handmade mooncakes and egg tarts, had a loyal customer base, and news of its closure triggered an outpouring of emotion from regulars.
โI have eaten the traditional handmade mooncakes and nice Cantonese pastries from Tai-Thong since my childhood days โฆ Feeling sad about this piece of news,โ wrote one customer on the bakeryโs Facebook page.
โGonna miss your dowry cake โ have been eating them since I was young,โ wrote another. โThis is so sad, my family and I grew up eating your mooncakes. We love the quality and the rich heritage,โ lamented another.