Written by Ziqian Nie and Derek Xu 
 

Convenience stores can be found almost anywhere, ready to satisfy a potential customer’s desire for convenience. Today, the time we have for shopping and dining has become increasingly restrictive due to work and study commitments which take up so much of our daily schedule. 
 
For a quick lunch, fast and cheap food options often mean that it might be better to combine certain options together for a more cost-effective meal. This can save a lot of time and result in something tastier, making it ideal for office workers, international students and other time-constrained individuals.  
 
With the COVID-19 pandemic being a serious ongoing matter, many restaurants have had to close and pull back from providing a full service. This can be difficult for those of us who long for the delicious food these restaurants would have offered and those that remain open can be too costly. Ultimately, this not only makes convenience stores the next best choice, but also helps them to fulfill the purpose of their existence. 

A comforting friend 
When we are sick, we might not have an appetite for food or the energy to cook. So what can we eat at such a time? Our taste can drop and leave us with little appetite for anything, so buying instant rice cakes and noodles at the convenience store might be the solution.  

Noodles and rice cakes wrapped with cheese and condiments can make the milk smell very strong and very spicy. Spicy food can warm the whole person, as pepper can cause a reaction in just a few minutes, which is helpful when you’re trying to temporarily alleviate a cold by sweating. Soak the instant noodles in boiling water for five minutes before placing the rice cakes in the microwave for two minutes. The cartons can be directly put into the microwave oven, so it is very convenient. Add the rice cake to the instant noodles, then add a piece of cheese, and stir it in fully to get a bowl of cheese rice cake instant noodles.  

Nowadays, convenience stores have added delivery to their services – this has allowed many people to get quick access to these spicy instant noodles. 

 
A survival technique 

A few years into COVID-19 and it is safe to say that people have already acquired enough “survival techniques” to satisfy their simple appetites. The following suggestions will focus on attempting to help you have normal summer again, especially when you are hanging out with friends. 

Mix oolong tea with plum wine in the ratio that you like, preferably 1:1. ‘Time’ plum wine is a good brand as it has its own sweet and sour taste, with a strong plum aroma that is not at all overly sweet and greasy! The taste of the wine is not too strong either, which can be super refreshing. One sip feels like a whole set of new taste buds have opened and combining this with refreshing oolong tea can the drink taste richer, especially with the addition of ice, leaving you with endless memories of a cool summer. 

Hong Kong style bread paired with creamy ice cream products is another ideal summer treat. Microwave the bread at the convenience store; be careful as it can be slightly hot to touch when taking it out and sandwich the ice cream of your choice in-between. The hot bread with the cold, creamy ice cream is a bite that will make you remember that summer forever. 
 
Don’t underestimate the convenience store! 
This society has provided people with many conveniences. which can be bought to us by food from convenience stores. The different combinations that have come through from our own ideas and preferences, perhaps even beyond our imagination – delicious, but also produced in a short time.