In the bustling cityscape of Macau, just a stone’s throw away from the opulent Grand Lisboa casino hotel, lies Lai Kei Ice Cream, one of the city’s oldest ice cream parlors. For over half a century, this charming establishment has been a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, drawn by its retro allure and delectable ice cream sandwiches.
The parlor’s facade, adorned in hues of red-bean color with “Lai Kei Ice Cream” emblazoned in gold, has become a cherished spot for social media enthusiasts and nostalgic visitors. The simple yet evocative design of a pigtailed girl on the ice cream packaging traces back to the founder, Kong Lai-king, who started the business in 1933 by selling ice cream on Macau’s streets.
Inside, the decor remains untouched by time, with fluorescent lights illuminating wooden chairs and butter-colored tabletops. Ambert Kong Wing-tsan, the founder’s grandson, manages the day-to-day operations, maintaining the authenticity and originality of Lai Kei. Minimal changes have been made over the years, preserving the parlor as a snapshot of simpler times.
Located on Avenida do Conselheiro Ferreira de Almeida since the 1960s, Lai Kei’s design features hallmarks of the era – swooping lettering, arched color blocking, and retro drawings that epitomize its historic charm. The community’s affection for the shop is evident, with regulars urging the Kongs not to renovate, cherishing its old-school vibe.
Lai Kei’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The pre-handover era saw the business struggling amid economic downturns and the rise of home air conditioning, which reduced the demand for outdoor ice cream indulgence. The advent of Macau’s casino boom brought rapid development, posing threats to smaller establishments like Lai Kei. Despite facing a labor shortage and competition from lucrative casino jobs, the Kongs persevered, bolstered by community support and their ownership of the property.
Today, Lai Kei stands as a testament to resilience and tradition in the face of modernization. As Macau’s landscape transformed, the parlor’s retro appeal only grew stronger, drawing customers back to a piece of the city’s history. Kong, with his warm personality and knack for storytelling, has become an integral part of Lai Kei’s charm.
Having initially trained as a graphic designer in the United States, Kong returned to Macau to support his family and eventually took over the business. His early apprehensions gave way to a deeper appreciation for the human connections fostered at Lai Kei. The parlor has become a haven for sharing stories and emotions, often over a scoop of their popular coconut or red bean ice cream.
Lai Kei has also ventured into collaborations beyond its storefront, partnering with convenience stores and fashion brands to extend its reach. From Circle K’s packaged ice creams to Uniqlo T-shirt designs inspired by the parlor, Lai Kei has found innovative ways to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
In preserving its heritage while embracing new opportunities, Lai Kei Ice Cream continues to be a beloved part of Macau’s culinary and cultural fabric. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every scoop of ice cream is a reminder of the enduring spirit of community and nostalgia.
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