So, this is where I get my regular fix of chestnuts. Or “chest nuts” as the sign says. This fellow is parked in front of my local supermarket most evenings and when I’m in the mood for chestnuts, I drop by and get a bag. These days, he’s diversified to steamed peanuts and also sweet potatoes. I’ve yet to try either.
Here, the chestnuts are being “dry-fried” in a wok with pebbles stained with black soot. There’s lots of popping and I stand back a little. Once done, he removes all of the chestnuts using a slotted ladle and places them in the blue box behind the wok and stuffs a pillow into the box to keep the heat in and chestnuts warm.
Not quite “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” but when I crave for chestnuts, this will more than satisfy the craving.
WORDS from SONOBE 