In 1992, 14-year-old Fernando Ponce Sosa immigrated from Mexico to New York City in search of opportunity. Hailing from a family of bakers, he took an entry level job at Kam Hing Bakery, a longstanding institution in Chinatown. There, he trained under Mr. Tsang, the founder of Kam Hing whom Fernando lovingly refers to as “xi fu,” Cantonese for “master.” After nearly 20 years of working at Kam Hing, Fernando became fluent in Cantonese and an expert in the art of making sponge cakes. In 2020, with the encouragement and blessing of Mr. Tsang, he opened Spongies Cafe.
Follow along to watch how Fernando and his wife, Sasinee, run Spongies Cafe seven days a week. His customers include Chinatown locals who have known him since he was a teenager, eager tourists who make time in their trip to try his famous sponge cakes and New Yorkers traveling across boroughs to try his pastries. Over the years he has become a local celebrity, but despite all the buzz and attention, Fernando is only focused only on two things: innovating his sponge cake flavors and serving the Chinatown community he says has adopted him as their own.
via New York Times
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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