串

This is the stuff of dreams – greasy, salty, spicy, cheap, and available on every street corner in the city.

Chuan’r.

It even sounds delicious, “Chuarrrrrrrrrrrrr.” Like a pirate’s exclamation after a full day of marauding reveals a treasure chest laden with gems, gold, and diamonds. But this is a treasure you can eat.

Chuan’r.

It was the first character I learned. 串 - it’s a picture of lamb chunks skewered on a stick, roasted over coals, salted and spiced liberally, and devoured immediately.

Chuan’r.

Thankfully this food of the gods is not tough to find. There are millions of red strands of bright lights twisted into the character and hanging outside countless restaurants. The iconic twisted light picture is a bit like the Batman symbol shown on Gotham’s night sky – it is a symbol of pride, protection, and respect; but in 串’s case, it also induces drooling.

Chuan’r.

To think that I will be away from my favorite nighttime snack (that only costs 30 cents a skewer) for two months this summer is enough to make a hungry man cry.

Chuan’r.

But 串, my greasy lover, I shall return to thee…