China pancake seller in US plans to run for mayor, generating buzz despite thorny past

A Chinese pancake seller in the US has announced plans to run for mayor within three years, despite past controversy over an arrest.Tang, 31, was born to a rural family in Sichuan, southwestern China, and left school after secondary education. He is the son of a security guard and a cleaner.After working in sales and the car industry, he moved to the US in 2022, with little English, first taking a job at a used-car showroom.Two years later, he settled in Los Angeles and began selling savoury pancakes on the street, relying on translation apps to speak with customers.Tang working at his stall, left, with customers, middle, and with a volunteer wearing the same apron as him, right. Photo: myzaker.comAccording to Jiupai News, he charged US$10 to US$60 per serving and made more than US$150,000 in his first year, with monthly income at one point exceeding US$20,000.Tang said the snack drew mostly Chinese customers but also won praise from Americans, who called it “amazing Chinese pizza”.But his rise has been far from smooth.Last July, Tang was arrested following a dispute with a rival vendor and was later released on US$30,000 bail.Tang, in white T-shirt, being arrested by police last year. Photo: myzaker.comHe was also reported over hygiene concerns and unlicensed trading, while questions were raised online about his visa status.After the backlash, Tang turned to charity.In January, he began giving free pancakes to homeless and low-income people in poorer neighbourhoods, saying he wanted to document the lives of America’s poorest communities and offer practical help.He now earns mainly through live-streams, though his income has not been disclosed.Tang, above left, speaks at a public meeting in Los Angeles. Photo: myzaker.comOnline videos show Tang handing out pancakes to homeless people, sometimes giving extra portions to women and those in greater need.Further ReadingSome recipients smiled and thanked him, with a few saying in broken Chinese: “Thank you, I love China.”His efforts have attracted volunteers and supporters.A shelter resident began helping at his stall in a matching apron, while Zaker News reported that a former gang member had offered to protect him on the street.Another homeless person told him: “You are a good man. God will bless you.”In April, Tang announced plans to run for Los Angeles mayor in three years, putting up a notice at his stall urging people to vote for him.His slogan, he said, would be: “Make Los Angeles Great Again.”However, US law requires mayoral candidates to be citizens and eligible to run for office.In May, Tang visited a local Immigration services office, saying he was working to resolve his status.Tang pictured taking a break from his snack stall on a sunny day in Los Angeles. Photo: myzaker.comHe has not publicly disclosed any party affiliation.On May 20, Tang appeared at the local city hall with a translator, speaking for Chinese residents against what he called an unreasonable waste management contract.His story has caused a buzz in US immigrant circles and on mainland social media.One netizen said: “Tang embodies the spirit of freedom, hard work and independence. If he runs for mayor, I would vote for him and make Los Angeles the capital of savoury pancakes.”While another quipped: “Mayor Tang, can you help me sell luosifen (a form of Chinese noodle soup) in the US?”