Chongqing - "I often say that living in Chongqing, living in China, feels like living in the future," said Franco Bergamino, an Italian chef hailing from Turin, reflecting on the rapid development he's witnessed during his eight years in the Chongqing city.
Franco's dessert journey in Chongqing is a story of cultural fusion and adaptation.
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the restaurant business, he owned his first restaurant at 23. His talent even took him to the United Nations in 2007, where he represented Italy at a food festival. Yet, in 2014, after Italy faced an economic downturn, Franco sought new opportunities, ultimately leading him to China—first to Xiamen and then to Chongqing. "At the time, Shanghai had too many competitors, but Chongqing offered lower costs and easier business conditions," Franco recalls.
Upon arriving in Chongqing, Franco quickly discovered that his desserts weren't an instant hit. "At first, some people even spat out the desserts," he recalled, smiling at the memory.
Over time, he learned that the local palate favored less sweetness, prompting him to adjust his recipes. "We reduced the sugar and made it a blend of Italian tradition with a more modern, stylish presentation," he said.
Franco's dessert lab, nestled in Chongqing's Jiulongpo District, serves as a hub for both his online and offline ventures. "We opened this lab because most of our clients are business customers, and we needed a space to offer catering services," he explained.
But Franco's success isn't limited to the kitchen.
He's also become an unexpected internet sensation in China, amassing nearly 50,000 followers on platforms like Douyin. "I started making videos just for fun," he recalls. "One day, I jokingly referred to Chongqing's taxis as 'yellow Ferraris,' and the video took off. Since then, I've been sharing my life in Chongqing and my experiences with Chinese culture."
Franco's digital fame has boosted his business and deepened his connection to the city. He regularly shares videos of himself trying out Chongqing's famous hotpot or learning the local dialect.
Beyond the digital sphere, Franco has witnessed Chongqing's rapid growth firsthand. "The city changes so fast. In just a couple of years, entire districts have transformed," he says. "In Italy, everything takes a long time, but here, it's like living in the future. You can do everything with your phone—from paying for a taxi to booking flights. It's hard to believe how quickly things change in China."
Franco's experience reflects the opportunities available in China's fast-paced economy. Thanks to convenient e-commerce platforms and efficient logistics, his dessert gift boxes and catering services have steadily grown. "Our current lab is a bit far from the city center, but we plan to open more shops in residential areas," he said.
Franco says Chongqing has truly become his second home. "I never imagined becoming an internet celebrity in my 60s, but here, I've discovered new possibilities in life," he said. In this "mountainous city," also known as the "City of Bridges," Franco said, "The Italian word 'Ciao' sounds much like the Chinese word for bridge, 'Qiao,' I hope to build cultural bridges between China and Italy through food."
(Huan Ran, as an intern, also contributed to the report)
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