Taste of memories: Former ZJU chef and alumni establish scholarship for students in need

In recent days, HE, a former chef at Zhejiang University, along with several entrepreneurial alumni, made a donation through Hangzhou Wangdao Xiaolehui Catering Management Co., Ltd. to establish the "Zhejiang University Wangdao Xiaolehui Scholarship". The scholarship will support financially challenged students over the next ten years, helping them complete their studies. Behind this generous act lies a heartwarming story of mutual devotion between a former campus chef and the university community.

In the early 1990s, Zhejiang University brought in authentic Sichuan chefs and traditional ingredients from Chongqing, opening the Xiaolehui restaurant on the Yuquan Campus. HE served as a chef at Xiaolehui for fourteen years. His signature dishes—spicy stir-fried cabbage, diced chicken with chili peppers, and marinated pig head meat—became deeply cherished flavors among generations of ZJU students.

In 2013, a few Zhejiang University alumni invited HE to join them in starting a new restaurant. Over time, the restaurant, named Wangdao Xiaolehui, steadily grew. Although not located in a prime commercial district, it attracted a large number of Zhejiang University alumni, who traveled from far and wide to savor the familiar tastes of their youth.

Now, over a decade later, HE and his alumni partners have decided to give back to their alma mater through this heartfelt donation, bringing warmth and hope to many students in need.

"We are very happy to finally realize this dream," HE said, carefully framing and hanging the donation certificate at the restaurant's front desk. "It was an idea we had more than ten years ago, and now it has come true."

HE shared, "Our alumni supported us, and once we achieved some success, we wanted to do what we could to give back. When we started Xiaolehui, our original intention was to offer 'canteen-style meals' so students could eat affordably, heartily, and well."

Inside Wangdao Xiaolehui, the floor features a route map of ZJU's historical westward relocation, and the private dining rooms are named after different campuses. Although they have left the campus physically, the spirit and memory of Zhejiang University remain alive in every detail.

Above the entrance, a sign reads "Back to the beginning", reflecting not only a nostalgic taste but also a profound emotional bond between Zhejiang University and its people. From a plate of warm food to a scholarship fund, the kindness of HE and the alumni stands as a vivid testament to the enduring spirit of seeking truth, inspiring more Zhejiang University members to support education and give back to society through concrete actions.

Adapted and translated from the article written by OUYANG Yuxuan, WANG Jing
Translator: ZHENG Shaoyan ('26, Law)
Photo: the interviewees
Editor: HE Jiawen, TIAN Minjie