Alan's noodle soup

中式素汤面

HONG KONG | Several years ago, I met Alan in Hong Kong. In his early thirties, homosexual, for over 10 years HIV infected and on daily medication. Together we crossed the city by bus and on foot, on our way to Mr. Lee, 81 years of age, also HIV positive and for this reason abandoned by his wife and children. We entered a huge flat, one of these impressive high-rise buildings that determine the skyline of Hong Kong. Mr. Lee’s flat was divided into cubicles with cardboard, allowing to rent it out to more people with little to spend. Like Mr. Lee.

Alan delivers Mr. Lee hot soup once a week, transported in a red thermos. He brings soup to more HIV patients, some at home others hospitalized. Alan himself functions reasonably well due to good medication. But that those pills do not work against stifling loneliness, is something he realizes very well. And so Alan makes soup, delivers in high flats and sits with people. To talk, to listen, to share worries or laughter.

In addition to its ability to comfort and nourish, Chinese people believe certain soups have healing powers. Dried figs, for instance, are reputed to moisten the lungs, and thus helps to cure coughs. Ginger is believed to aid digestion and a winter melon can regulate blood sugar. Alan prepares his soups with dedication. He buys fresh ingredients from Happy Valley Market. The vendors all know him and with a friendly smile, the chicken slaughter puts a freshly slaughtered chicken in Alan’s imitation Calvin Klein bag. Alan likes style and beautiful stuff. He quickly returns to his small kitchen where he prepares the soup, pours it into his red thermos and a few hours later I join him into the busy districts of Hong Kong, on our way to Mr. Lee.

Mr. Lee appears in the doorway and greets Alan with a big smile. The weekly soup friend! In the narrow room they sit side by side on the bed. The small sleeping area is plastered with photos of Bonsai trees that Mr. Lee tore from magazines. Alan and Mr. Lee share a precious hour close to each other. ‘Eat your soup, Mr. Lee, and stay strong! See you next week!’.

Here is one of Alan’s recipes for you. A vegan (vegetarian if you prefer to use eggs) Chinese noodle soup (中式素汤面).

---