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Bing Sutt (Chinese: 冰室; Jyutping: bing1 sat1; literally: "Ice Room") is a type of traditional coffee house in Hong Kong. Commonly found in 1950s and 1960s-era, it is characterized by old furniture and settings such as the small tiled floors, hanging fans, folding chairs and so on. Bing Sutt provides light meals and drinks and is neighbourhood-oriented. It is believed to be the predecessor of Cha Chaan Teng.
Contents
Change
Since World War II, the dietetic culture of Hong Kong became westernized. That was also the time when Bing Sutts started to become popular and created localized western menus to keep Hong Kong-style restaurants alive.
Traditional Bing Sutts only provide drinks and localized western snacks. Although serving western menus, they keep the price low and thus become popular among people from various social status. Yet along with the development of Cha Chaan Tengs, chained fast food shops and coffee shops, which sell a larger variety of food, Bing Sutts became less competitive. In the 1980s, many had no choice but to refine the traditional menus by adding rice and noodles so as to increase their competitiveness.
Only a few dozen traditional Bing Sutts are still operating now, with some others opened by the younger generation fascinated by the nostalgic atmosphere of the Hong Kong style restaurant. Realizing consumers’ desire to take a glimpse of past memories, quite a number of fast food chains set up and adorn their unique experimental concept stores like Bing Sutts to attract customers. These newly established Bing Sutts are usually decorated with characterized furniture and settings such as the small tile floors, hanging fans, folding chairs and so on, all that remind people of the old days. Some of them have become iconic tourist attractions as well. Those riding the new wave of Bing Sutts are seeking to stay up to the true spirit of simplicity and community.
Drinks
Pastry
Toast and sandwiches
Other dishes
Difficulties
Bing Sutt have been facing difficulties in remaining in this modern city. The reason why Bing Sutt is diminishing is due to the change in society, be they change in tastes of consumers or the rise of Cha Chaan Teng. Most of the Bing Sutts encounter keen competition among Cha Chaan Tengs with heavy rent. The popularity of Cha Chaan Teng has taken away lots of customers from Bing Sutts, leading to many traditional ones being eliminated from the market and leaving behind no more than twenty Bing Sutts in Hong Kong.
Bing Sutts had been one of the best relaxing areas for Hong Kong people, however, traditional Bing Sutt is gradually fading away from the society. What is more, the decreasing in number of Bing Sutts has gradually aroused attention where businessmen are grasping the trend of ruminating on the past to re-establish exquisite old Bing Sutts. Bing Sutts may not be offering the best food, but many believe that they should be preserved as they exert certain cultural significances and witness the development of Hong Kong.