Who needs retirement? Vancouver senior Bob Sung certainly doesn’t think so. At the age of 73, he is actively sharing his culture, expertise, and love for food via his unique culinary and cultural walking tours in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Bob Sung: A Man with a Passion for Food and Heritage
A third-generation Chinese-Canadian, Bob Sung has a rich history tied to Vancouver’s Chinatown. For more than 130 years, his family has been involved in retail and wholesale food businesses, catering to restaurants and grocers in the area. His company, A Wok Around, is a testament to his deep love for his cultural heritage and food. “I use food as a medium because food is my passion. Food is my background”, says Sung.
Before embarking on his journey as a tour guide, Sung worked as a chef and later became an instructor and registrar at Dubrulle Culinary Institute. His first experience with leading tours began during his tenure as an instructor, as part of a curriculum that introduced culinary students to diverse ethnic ingredients in Vancouver.
From Culinary Instructor to Cultural Guide
At the age of 56, Sung decided to follow his passion and started a tour business focusing on Chinatown. His tours, which cater to cruise ship groups, offer a unique blend of cultural insights and gastronomic delights. The four-hour tour includes visits to the Chinese Canadian Museum, the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, street food sampling, a dim sum meal, a pastry and tea tasting, and a trip to an herbal medicine store.
Sung believes in proudly showcasing his Chinese-Canadian culture and heritage. His tours are not merely about exploring Chinatown, but also serve as a platform where he shares personal stories of his upbringing intertwined with tales of immigration and the quest for belonging.
Sharing Stories and Values to Stay Connected
According to Mei Lan Fang, an assistant professor specializing in urban aging at Simon Fraser University, exploring one’s cultural heritage is a powerful way to stay connected with the community, especially for seniors. “Your culture is a part of your identity and it gives you a sense of belonging. It’s something that you pass onto other people and it grounds you”, Dr. Fang explains.
A recent Canadian study published in PLOS One noted that older Canadians who were physically active, emotionally well, and socially connected were more likely to regain optimal well-being after illness. Engaging in activities like sharing culture, stories, and values with others can have significant psychological and emotional benefits.
A Wok Around: More than Just a Business
Despite running his tour business for nearly 20 years, Sung shows no signs of slowing down. He continually seeks new ways to enhance his business and has been leveraging social media platforms like Instagram to reach a wider audience. His ongoing learning journey also includes picking up new language skills from the merchants he visits during his tours.
For Sung, A Wok Around is more than just a business. It is his way of fulfilling a purpose that nourishes not just his mind and body, but also his soul. “I couldn’t imagine going down to Hawaii for four months of the year and just vegging and golfing. I’d rather be doing something which is purposeful, that at the same time feeds my mind, feeds my soul and feeds my body,” he says.
