Taste & Space: How Chinese Restaurants Shape South Wales
Planning started in summer 2025, when Cardiff University researchers Aled Singleton (Geography), Helena Lopes (History) and Lui Tam (Architecture) met cinematographer Keefa Chan. We approached people involved in Chinese food businesses in south Wales with a view to taking part. Their voices are critical to illuminating the role of Chinese restaurants in the making of equitable places.
The film has explored layers of intercultural and migration histories, spatial expressions, and community impact behind Chinese restaurants in south Wales, as well as the ins and outs of running Chinese restaurants. The interviews have confronted tensions related to identity and sense of place. For example, how a community of customers helped one restaurant fight unjust legal processes which nearly forced a longstanding business to close. We build on the theme of spatial inequalities and injustices by exploring more than six decades of links between Chinese and Welsh society and culture. Particular attention is paid to the contribution to the local economy and community life. To a degree we reflect on politics at a local level as we show the 1960s state was positive towards skilled chefs coming to the UK. In a more recent case elected politicians are supportive of a business threatened by unjust legal challenges.