If we're destined to be apart
We must accept our fate
You told me not to give into feudal ethics
Keep an open mind
and break new grounds
I always say it's better to be a woman
Only a fool would get married
You must remember
Finding someone you love
is the luckiest thing in the world
You must cherish it
No matter what lies ahead
You must never give up
Love can solve anything
Hi, my name is Tai Sze-ka
I'm in my 20s
Owner of Phoenix Private Kitchen
It was founded by my Great Great Granny Ngai Yu-fung
in 1900 in Beijing
It was passed on to my Great Granny, my Mom and me
at different times and places
The Kitchen is a legend that involves
4 generations of women in my family
and their joy and sorrow
Something you can definitely relate to
The legend of Phoenix Private Kitchen
starts with my Great Great Granny
here she is
No, not the one giving birth
but the one being born
What a smart baby!
But she didn't cry
Nobody knew what to do
Luckily the chef's son Yu Tsz was born at the same time
and he was crying his lungs out
So Great Great Granny followed suit
and saved herself
Congratulations, Master Ngai You have a daughter
In a traditional family in the late Qing dynasty
My Great Great Great Grandpa who was expecting a son
was disappointed to see a daughter
But when he picked up the baby
He received great news
Here's the Tang Shan coal mine contract
What?
Congratulations, Master Ngai
It's a double blessing
The new baby brings you good luck
Yes... prepare the firecrackers
As the firecrackers fired away
Yu Tsz's mother was bleeding out
and she died at childbirth
One is a lucky star
The other a jinx
One is a rich man's daughter
The other a chef's son
They were born into different fates
It's the same old story
Two people from worlds apart
were destined to be entangled for life
From the day he was born
Yu Tsz was destined to be Great Great Granny's guardian angel
Just like when they were 8 years old
Great Great Granny was lost in the woods
and nobody could find her
As if he was somehow linked to her
Yu Tsz knew exactly where she was
Miss... Yu Tsz...
Don't worry, Miss
I'll take you home
What if there are wolves?
I'll scare them off
Just like that
They became the best of friends
Yu Tsz...
Miss
Yu Tsz, it's your birthday today
I have a present for you
Thanks
but... I can't read or write
I'll teach you
I have a present for you too
It's cute
Did you make this?
Yes, it's the year of the cow
That's why I made you a cow
Will you make me a tiger next year?
Yes! And every year after that
We're 9 now
By the time we're 20
I'll have all 12 animals
What's your birthday wish?
I want to spend every birthday with you
That's easy. We'll get married
Will you marry me?
Let's swear on it!
You brat! I told you to wash the vegetables
Not cut them up
You're stubborn like a mule
I can't talk to you
From then onwards
All Yu Tsz wanted to do was to marry Great Great Granny
So he devoted himself to cooking
Hoping someday he'll make something of himself
To make chrysanthemum pudding
Shred the chrysanthemum as fine as possible
Wash and rinse the dried chrysanthemum from Tong Heung
and boil it in water
The chrysanthemum soup smells good
Shall I turn off the heat?
Be patient
You must cook it longer for a richer taste
But it'll be bitter if you cook it too long
Almost. Add sugar
Dry the lycium fruit with a damp cloth
dice it into the shape of cinnabar
I see
so the petals will float
and the lycium fruit will stand out
Delicate and colorful
Put them in a cold, dry place
It'll coagulate soon
They are so pretty
I know they must taste good
You're so brilliant, Yu Tsz
You'll be the best cook someday
I don't know about anything else
But the kitchen is my turf
I can definitely use a knife better than a pen
Don't move
What?
A spot
Mother
Madam
What are you making?
Chrysanthemum pudding
That's right
You know how to steam, fry, braise, stew and bake
all kinds of meat, seafood and poultry
meat dishes, vegetarian dishes
cold ones, hot ones, soups, desserts
You know how to make everything
I still have a lot to learn
You have learned enough
Stay out of the kitchen from now on
Why?
You're the young lady
You should keep away from the servants
Don't forget your place
Now go to your room
Yes, Mother
Your regular script is well written
with the proper strength and technique
Look at this embroidery
The pattern is almost lifelike
All these birds spreading their wings
see? Practice makes perfect
I was right to make you do it everyday
But I want to learn how to cook
You're already a very good cook
That's more than enough to cook for your husband's family
Cooking is not to serve people
I'm learning it for myself
Cooking is part of your dowry
That's why I've been grooming you
to read and write
to paint and draw, play chess and music
needlework and embroidery
They're all part of your dowry
so you can marry someone of equal standing
Why equal standing?
Can't I marry someone I love?
It's bad lot for a woman to marry someone lower
A man will be ridiculed if he marries someone of higher standing
That's why in marriage
You must have the parents' consent
and the matchmakers word
Don't worry, I'll find you a good match
But...
You've always been a good girl
You should listen to me
You're old enough
We have been getting marriage offers
We're an eminent family
We must not do anything scandalous
I know you like Yu Tsz
But you're from 2 different worlds
If your Father knows about his inordinate desires
It won't do him any good
Do you understand?
I'll do as you say
Madam, Miss, Master is back
But for some reason
He's throwing a fit
Outrageous!
This tea is too hot. You want to kill me?
Get another cup, hurry!
Yes, Madam
You must be tired
Why don't you wash up first?
Get out Yes
What's the matter?
Trouble in Tianjin?
Those damned officials...they're robbers
They said I don't have the paperwork
from the Mining Superintendent
and have impounded my ships
What can we do?
Can we settle it with money?
If it works than I don't have to worry
I have tried to negotiate with the shipping ministry and another authority
They said they must follow orders
to turn privately owned mining companies
into government owned
If that's the case
I'll need to close down the business
and if there's an inquisition
I may even go to jail
What will happen to us?
Did you talk to Minister Cheung?
He's not that stupid
He fled the scene already
My uncle is serving under Minister Tak
in the Foreign Ministry
Shall I talk to him?
Don't be presumptuous
Even the imperial court is chaotic
Today the Empress Dowager is in charge
Tomorrow it's the Emperor
Don't worry yourself, mind your health
Father
Yes?
I made some pudding for you and Mother
Alright, put it down
Father
The teacher asked me a simple question
I didn't know the answer
What was the question?
If the horse's head is facing east
Which way is its tail pointing to?
West, of course
Wrong
Why?
It's facing down
Right!
What is this?
They are exquisitely translucent
They must be delicious
You're becoming a better cook
What's inside?
Lycium fruit and chrysanthemum petals
They can drive away the summer heat
Really?
I must try it
It does have a cooling effect
The fragrance from the Hangzhou chrysanthemum
is so refreshing
The bun tastes good!
Something is still missing
I combined different types of pork
for the stuffing
rib eye for its tenacity
pork loin for its tenderness
belly for its chewiness
the neck for its juiciness
I also used the bones in the soup
It's almost perfect, but not quite
What's missing?
You're almost dead
The way you keep thinking
You don't sleep or eat
You'll be dead soon
Tsz, Madam wants you to make dim sum She has company tomorrow
Did she say what kind?
No
Do you know who's coming?
The matchmaker from the Commander
She's here about a marriage proposal
The Commander is proposing?
You scared me! It's his son
His son? He's a wastrel
A gambler and whore monger
You should hang yourself if you marry a wastrel
He's bad for her
This is the best cheese I've ever had
and the best prune juice
Madam Hung, please help yourself
I will
By the way»-
How is the Commander's family?
Thanks for asking, they're fine
I'm an old friend of the Commander's
I've known his son since he was a baby
He's very handsome...
and such a good personality...
His future...
He's the perfect match for your...
Sorry, I must excuse myself
Madam Hung
I need to use your toilet
Madam Hung...
You were eavesdropping
Where are your manners?
A servant tells a lot about the master
Judging from this Madam Hung
The Commander is probably no better
Yu-fung, you're a lady
You must know your place
The Commander has an illustrious family
What do you think, Master?
I think this Madam Hung is useless
I don't trust her
Wise decision!
Father
What's bothering you?
I want to meet with Master Cho
I need a favor from him
He sent back this piece of paper
with the word "vinegar"
The servant told me
I'll understand
when I see him and the word
But until now
I still don't have a clue
Master Cho?
The one known as "Master Chef“
who taught most of the chefs in the capital
and serves as the imperial doctor?
That's him. When you were 8 years old
He gave you candy in Yung Wo Palace
But he's not working there anymore
He's now in charge of Prince Kung's medicated diet
and has become the Prince's favorite
He's looking for someone to pass on his mantle
Father
Can I see the paper?
here it is
How was the servant dressed?
He was wearing a straw hat and clogs
He'll be here at 5 on the 21st
He wants you to serve him tea
How can you tell?
Take the word "vinegar" apart gives you data and time
The servant was wearing a straw hat and clogs
straw hat means "grass“ on top
a “man" in the middle
And “wood“ at the bottom
That's the word "tea"
You're right!
Yu Tsz...Your trick worked
What trick?
You gave the matchmaker a lot of gas
and diarrhea
What have you done?
A little experiment
To see if everyone
who has cheese and prune juice will have an upset stomach
Cheese and prune juice?
I tried it myself
everything comes out of my stomach
and into the toilet
It really works
I'm glad my parents didn't have the prune juice
You're so mean
I just want to get rid of her
They say wastrels are no good
I don't want you to marry...
I want you to marry someone nice
Master Cho is coming day after tomorrow
The Master Chef himself?
He's looking for someone to pass on his mantle
This is your perfect chance
You mean...
Cook something special
If he discovers your talent
He may take you in as his pupil
If I can learn from him
That'll be a dream come true
But that'll be showing...
Showing off
That's right
He has tasted all sorts of delicacies
How can I make him...
Notice you?
Exactly
You must think of something special
If Master Cho has tasted everything
Give him something fresh
Fresh?
I have an idea
What do you have in mind?
Why do you want me to leave
and learn from him?
If he takes you in
then you're no longer be a servant
You can make a name for yourself
or even start your own business
Unless you'd rather live under someone else's roof
When you have succeeded
then we can...
do you understand?
Of course
I'll go get ready now
Wait for me!
Whole sea cucumber
Hangzhou duck
shark's fin soup...
What's this?
Fresh bamboo shoot
No delicacy is better than wild bamboo shoots
This is perfect
The servants are being presumptuous
Help yourself
Please...
You have earned the Prince's trust
I'm so happy for you
I'm just an errand boy
You have such a sense of humor
These are troubled times
The Prince must be busy
You must be worried about his meals
I'm sure your superb cooking
will appeal to his appetite
Well?
He tasted each dish
but didn't say much
Really?
He ate one dish twice
Which one?
The bamboo shoot
Really?
He frowned after he tasted it
I'll be honest
2 of my ships were impounded
and I'm in trouble
I've tried to bribe my way through
but they all gave me the cold shoulder
Can you speak to the Prince on my behalf?
Someone may be able to help you
Who?
Wong Sin-Kei
I'm sorry to disappoint you
Don't worry, you've done your best
The rest is up to the gods
This way, please
Please...
This way, please
Mother
Where are you going?
Master Cho wants to look at the kitchen
This is it...still warm
Who made the bamboo shoots?
Yu Tsz
Did you make it?
Yes, sir
Those are the best bamboo shoots I have tasted
If I'm not mistaken
You didn't cook it in here
How did you make them?
You're incredible
You can taste the difference
Bamboo shoots must be eaten fresh
So I cooked them on the spot
First thing this morning
We took all the equipments
into the woods to look for bamboo shoots
When we found the best ones
We washed them on the spot
and cut them open with a bamboo knife
Leaving behind the freshest part
I boiled them with the dew at dawn
with yellow fungus, ginger juice and wine
in a ceramic pot
Using jujube wood for firewood
I cooked them with low heat
The porters sent the pot back in relay
and hand-carried them home
By then the bamboo shoots are cooked
To serve them
I used preheated stones
to keep the pot warm
Wonderful idea! Well done!
Simple ingredients
brought out the freshness
Bamboo knife does not have the taste of metal
Ceramic pot allows ventilation
Jujube wood is the best firewood
Everything is perfect
You're a very talented cook
I know nothing but cooking
Food is the most basic need
It's alright if you don't know anything
As long as you can cook
Yu Tsz wants to speak to you
Go ahead
I want to ask you...
How can I make good buns?
I can't make good drippings
You use bone for the broth?
Yes
That's the problem
Separate the bone with the soft tissue
Use the bone for the broth
Chop up the soft tissue
and mix it with the broth
then it'll taste much better
I see. I knew something was wrong
What's with the chicken ribs?
People say they're tasteless
but a shame to discard
I think they have the best meat
Great minds think alike
I finally met someone who has the same taste
Yu Tsz has always been your admirer
He'd love to be your pupil
Yu-fung, watch your manners
I don't take pupils easily
That's for sure
In addition to talents
Fate is also a key criteria
Master Cho and Yu Tsz both love tea
and have the same tastes
That's the destiny
Master Cho, I'd love to learn from you
I don't mind the hard work
With Master Cho's skill
and Yu Tsz's talent
It's the right timing to pass on the mantle
It'll be perfect
Her tongue is sharper than a blade
Judging from your talents
I'll make an exception
Thank you, Master...
Wait!
I have a condition
Make up your mind
You'll hit the big times
If you become his pupil
I'll have nothing to worry about
But his condition...
That's nothing
Be somebody without an heir
beats being nobody with sons
Too bad he didn't pick me
Otherwise, I'd do it
What?
That's right
Who needs it?
That's his lifeline
You can'! just cut if off!
I say it's a source of trouble
The sooner you do it the better
You have no use for it anyway
What did you say?
What are you doing?
Let go! You're like a bull
Being a eunuch is not everything
You want me to fix you?
Mind your own business
Come here!
Check and see if the time and data is correct
Father, Mother
Did you ask for me?
We have arranged your marriage
What marriage?
Master Wong Sin-Kai's son
his only hair for 9 generations
Young Master Wong Yuk-lun
I don't want to get married
Don't be silly
Everyone must get married
You can't stay at home
I want to look after you
We have servants for that
We don't need you
This marriage has our consent
and the matchmakers word
You can't object
Mother...
Listen to your Father
Theirs is a prominent family
They're rich and influential
Having them as in-laws
Your Father and I are very relieved
I don't want to marry a stranger
someone I have never met
Watch what you're saying
Only a shameless woman
would pledge her own marriage
Master Wong comes from a line of scholars
His son should be the same
You're marrying into a higher social position
Say no more
It's been decided, you can't object
Yu-fung
Mother
Yu-fung
I know what you're thinking
I also know you love Yu Tsz
I'm bagging you, Mother
Please convince Father to change his mind
I don't want to marry Wong Yuk-lun
But you must
Why?
I might as well tell you
2 of your Father's ships were impounded
He may go to jail
How did that happen?
No wonder Father looks so worried
Not only that
The coal miners need their salaries
If we close down the mines
We're not the only family in trouble
All the workers and their families
suffer the same fate
Luckily Master Wong interceded on our behalf
Now the matter is settled
That's why Father wants me...
Even without the problem
We would have accepted their proposal anyway
It's just all the more reason to say yes
Do I have a choice?
We have made the best choice for you
Think about it
No matter what he does
Yu Tsz is still a cook
Poor people have problems
You've lived a pampered life
I don't want you to worry about money
I don't mind
You must not be headstrong
You must consider the big picture
Father and I love you
Do you want to see him in jail?
Yu-fung, a woman's happiness should come last
Think of the others
before you think of yourself
That's so pathetic
Woman must accept their fate
That's what women think in those days
Destiny was everything
because they have no money, no status and no freedom
They can't possibly fight back
Woman today would never accept that
Come to think of it
Are they being noble or stupid?
Fu! Have you prepared the refreshments?
It's almost noon
The Wongs will be sending their gifts
Don't worry, Madam. Everything is ready
Master, Madam!
I'm here to propose
Please let me marry Miss Yu-fung
I brought the betrothal gift
It's not much, but...
Don't bother!
Just because your name sounds like "shark's fin“
doesn't make you shark's fin
You're nothing but rice noodles
What makes you think you're worthy of my daughter?
Can you read?
Read me that couple! on the wall
I can read
Yu-fung taught me how to read
The parasol tree welcomes the phoenix
Orange osmanthus lures the dragon
Even if you can read
Do you know what it means?
Phoenix must be paired with a dragon
Yu-fung is a lady
She's marrying a gentleman
What are you?
You're only a servant
A cook
You're not worthy
Understand?
Don't get upset, Master
I may not be able to read
But I care about Yu-fung
I'll work very hard
She'll never have to suffer
I'll be good to her
More precious than my life
That's enough!
Go back inside
We have things to do
Madam...
Congratulations, Master Ngai...
Here's the betrothal gift from Master Wong
Thank you...
This is for you
Thank you
A little something
Congratulations!
Thank you
This is for you
Thank you, bring those inside
No! Take them away
Get out!
Stop it!
Stop him!
Get out!
I don't know how to explain to you
Life is like food
It's sweet and sour, bitter and acerbic
As a cook, you must understand it well
Dandelion goes with the wind
and that's what I am
The wind will take me away
whether I go east
or whether I go west
It's not my decision to make
The wind determines where the dandelion goes
I understand
I'm not your wind
I just want to hear you say it
so I have a reason to give up
You must marry Wong Yuk-lun?
Tsz...
Just tell me yes or no
You know I never argue with you
Be a good daughter-in-law
You must be forbearing
Even if you feel wronged
treat it as a lesson to be learned
Don't do anything rash
Always try to make peace
If you do your part
They will be nice to you
I'll do as you say
Everything else comes before my happiness
I meant to give you these for your birthday
Since you're getting married today
I can't wait till then
Consider them your wedding present
I hope you like them
They're delicious
You'll be a great cook
I know it
Yu-fung...
Matchmaker!
Congratulations
This is for you
Thank you, it's almost time
Please ask the young Master to...
welcome the bride
Sure... must be hard on you
To come all this way
I'll get you something to drink
Sister
Is Fook back yet?
No! I've sent more men to look
Fook is no use
I told you to go
We're trying
Madam Pik, Madam Hei
Did you find him?
Not yet
Don't just stand there!
Go look again
Yes
Don't bother
I told Pui-Leung to get him at Tim Heung Yuan
At a time like this?
Why? This is outrageous!
No, Uncle Hean is outrageous
Tai-hei
Go inside and stall Master
Don't let him find out Yuk-lun is gone
Auntie Kwong
What time is it?
It's almost 3 o'clock
It's almost time
Yuk-lun is getting married soon
Yes, Master
Master
Get some rest
Tai-hei, you're here just in time
Help me change
I have to go outside
It's still early, Master
Early? Isn't it 3 o'clock already?
Of course not
The bride is not here yet
Does your head still hurt?
A little
then sit down
Auntie Kwong
Yes?
Give Master another massage
Yes
Master
Yuk-lun is getting married today
There'll be a lot of guests
You must get some rest now
Be careful
Where's Yuk-lun?
He's changing
With a hand like this
I can't lose
What a great hand!
Luckily, I have a better hand
Just enough to win
What a coincidence!
It's my lucky day today
So sorry, Master Yuk-lun
Thank you so much
What a jinx!
Here's your tip!
Thank you
It's your fault
Making such a racket!
You scared away my luck
I'm docking your pay for this
What?
Are you complaining?
I can dock your pay for 3 years
What?
Yuk-lun, go easy on your brother-in-law
Uncle Heen, speak to him
Sure
Uncle
What is it?
Where is she?
Have I ever let you down?
Chin-hung, look!
So he's waiting for Fa Chin-hung!
Butler!
Is your master back from the toilet?
It's time
He has diarrhea
It'll take a bit longer
What if it acts up during the wedding?
I'm so sorry
Please have more tea
No thank you
Or else I'll need to go myself
Stop this
Go home and get married first
What is it with you?
Shut up!
Or I'll make you eat the tiles
betting on the color of Chin-hung's underwear is boring
Let's bet on the pattern of your bride's underwear
That should be fun
Yes!
How interesting!
Don't do it
Please don't do it
What is it?
You don't have the guts?
Go for it!
You have a deal! Come on!
Yes
Change
Excellent
Bravo, Yuk-lun
Bravo!
Have you made up your mind?
Yes
No regrets?
No
We need to drink the nuptial wine first
I don't have time
Are you coming out or not?
No...
What's taking you so long?
Are you ready?
If you don't come out now
Fa Chin-hung is going home with me
That's right
Yuk-lun
No way
Yuk-lun
It's peony
I knew it's peony
Fa Chin-hung is mine tonight
Great Great Granny thought getting married
was a good idea
The humiliation on the wedding night
was just the beginning
There's more to come