The Courage Behind the Flame---Why I Deeply Admire Street Food Vendors

Everyday as I walk along my street, I see some food stall, flavourful aromas mixed with the air, smoke rising, and a lot of people forming a long queue to place their orders with hunger in their eyes as they salivate as the food is been dished. Personally this is not only about appetite, I think it is admiration and acceptance.

A lot of people patronises this business everyday, yet people are blind to the beauty of it. Some only noticed the extremely sweeting forehead, vigorous work, long hours, and the little money. But I see work of art combined with human resilience, assistance to mankind and pure creativity mixed with talent. I see people who are trying day in day out to building nothing into something big, creating a small container kiosk into a trustworthy brand where they remained loyal to customers with a beat for survival.

What amazes me always is the intimacy they always have with risk. Atmospheric conditions, unforseen hike in food price, the different policies in the state, and volatile unstable mood from the public, they flow with all these rhythm everyday. Yet, they never give up and they keep on showing everyday even before some of us wake up and make sure the last belle is fed before packing up and start preparing for the next day. The mentality behind this is so humbling. It is not only about cooking, it is majorly about accepting that you are important, even when there is no business card that says so.

As an individual who appreciates making everything comfortable, I am not sure if I can do that thing. But deep down in my heart, I appreciate and give kudos for their grit, their consistency, the passion they have and how they keep the fire alive.

Their work is an act of survival, and everytime they shows up chants a line of dignity. This alone for me means a business at its bravest, perseverance and determination.

Thank for reading.

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