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 surged in the United Kingdom following the introduction of the British National Overseas immigration route in 2021. By 2022, demographic data indicated a total of 228,611 migrants from Hong Kong, marking an 85% increase from 2021. The phenomenon attracted national attention through a special feature in The Sunday Times Magazine in early 2024. Large migrations, whether permanent or temporary, significantly impact demographics, economies, societies, and cultures. Migrants introduce customs and traditions into new areas. A well-known phenomenon from Hong Kong that has spread through migration, is Hong Kong-style cafés, also known as Cha Chaan Tengs. They are known for their local, affordable food, customised minimalist furniture, and compact interiors. Curious about how Hongkongers moving to the UK seek to open and frequent Cha Chaan Tengs, we investigated this trend in Nottingham, Manchester, and London, identifying several such cafés. This paper examines how the Cha Chaan Teng café typology has been integrated into British cities and what role they play for Hongkongers. Additionally, we investigate how café design is shifting in the migration context. We address these issues through place and participant observation studies conducted at nine British Cha Chaan Tengs, including interviews with 22 customers and store representatives. The findings show that visiting behaviour among Hongkongers at these cafés is linked to their length of immigration and driven by motivations beyond simply food. Moreover, we report on similarities and differences between the designs of Cha Chaan Tengs in Hong Kong and the UK.