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A taste of home: the cultural significance and design of Hong Kong-style cafés (Cha Chaan Tengs) in the UK

A taste of home: the cultural significance and design of Hong Kong-style cafés (Cha Chaan Tengs) in the UK
A taste of home: the cultural significance and design of Hong Kong-style cafés (Cha Chaan Tengs) in the UK
The population of Hong Kong migrants in the United Kingdom (UK) has surged since the introduction of the British National [Overseas] (BN[O]) immigration route in 2021. As of 2024, demographic data indicate, a total of 279,712 migrants from Hong Kong live in the country, marking a 106.73% increase from 2021. This phenomenon attracted national attention through a special feature in The Sunday Times Magazine in early 2024, highlighting the popularity of the scheme.1
Large migrations change demographics, economies, societies and cultures by introducing old customs and traditions into new areas.2 A well-known phenomenon that has spread from Hong Kong through migration is Hong Kong-style cafés, also known as Cha Chaan Tengs in Cantonese. They are known for their compact interiors, customised minimalist furniture and local, affordable food. Curious about why Hongkonger immigrants open and frequent Cha Chaan Tengs, we investigated this trend in British cities. This paper examines how the Cha Chaan Teng typology and design have been integrated into British cities. We studied these issues through place and participant observations conducted at Cha Chaan Tengs in Hong Kong and in the British cities of Nottingham, Manchester and London. We report on the similarities and differences between the designs of Cha Chaan Tengs in Hong Kong and the UK.
migration dynamics, community culture, Hong Kongers, Cha Chaan Tengs, Place-making
387-398
Münster, Mia
2729549a-81b7-46e3-b207-fb8ed5ff8d94
Pan, Angelina Hang
ebd649ee-ebe8-4b6f-a4ec-9201a65fe707
Harland, Robert
6cdb2a27-7304-40ec-8177-b27acf08649c
Münster, Mia
2729549a-81b7-46e3-b207-fb8ed5ff8d94
Pan, Angelina Hang
ebd649ee-ebe8-4b6f-a4ec-9201a65fe707
Harland, Robert
6cdb2a27-7304-40ec-8177-b27acf08649c

Münster, Mia, Pan, Angelina Hang and Harland, Robert (2024) A taste of home: the cultural significance and design of Hong Kong-style cafés (Cha Chaan Tengs) in the UK. Architecture Media Politics Society, , Barcelona. 15 - 17 Jul 2024. pp. 387-398 .

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

The population of Hong Kong migrants in the United Kingdom (UK) has surged since the introduction of the British National [Overseas] (BN[O]) immigration route in 2021. As of 2024, demographic data indicate, a total of 279,712 migrants from Hong Kong live in the country, marking a 106.73% increase from 2021. This phenomenon attracted national attention through a special feature in The Sunday Times Magazine in early 2024, highlighting the popularity of the scheme.1
Large migrations change demographics, economies, societies and cultures by introducing old customs and traditions into new areas.2 A well-known phenomenon that has spread from Hong Kong through migration is Hong Kong-style cafés, also known as Cha Chaan Tengs in Cantonese. They are known for their compact interiors, customised minimalist furniture and local, affordable food. Curious about why Hongkonger immigrants open and frequent Cha Chaan Tengs, we investigated this trend in British cities. This paper examines how the Cha Chaan Teng typology and design have been integrated into British cities. We studied these issues through place and participant observations conducted at Cha Chaan Tengs in Hong Kong and in the British cities of Nottingham, Manchester and London. We report on the similarities and differences between the designs of Cha Chaan Tengs in Hong Kong and the UK.

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More information

e-pub ahead of print date: 15 July 2024
Venue - Dates: Architecture Media Politics Society, , Barcelona, 2024-07-15 - 2024-07-17
Keywords: migration dynamics, community culture, Hong Kongers, Cha Chaan Tengs, Place-making

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 499330
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/499330
PURE UUID: a97daa76-641c-4949-81f6-2c60d563d03d
ORCID for Angelina Hang Pan: ORCID iD orcid.org/0009-0004-8431-6826

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 17 Mar 2025 17:36
Last modified: 22 Mar 2025 03:17

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Contributors

Author: Mia Münster
Author: Angelina Hang Pan ORCID iD
Author: Robert Harland

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