As told to M. Nauman Qureshi. Edited by Aarohi Narain. With a culinary repertoire spanning two continents, LK* tells her story through the medium of food. In addition to providing unique insight into the origins and usages of certain ingredients, she paints us a picture of her life in Hong Kong while narrating the struggle…
Author: TOTC Admin
Welcome to Table of Two Cities, a deep-dive look into the untold stories of refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong.
The taste of ice-cream: Vignettes from Refugee Union
Guest contribution by Vania Chow “Ma!” Her younger son cried, tugging at her hand as they walked through the streets. The day was a hot one, with the usual Hong Kong sticky humidity that she grew to hate. He pointed to a poster banner plastered onto the window of the convenience store. ‘Summer discount- $25…
Empowering women through art: Refugee Perspectives
As told to M. Nauman Qureshi Against all odds, Clarisse transformed her situation into a story of success and largesse. All it took was two years for her to become a fashion designer and Founder of an arts and crafts collective called Art Women. She’s now revered for her bright and bold clothing as well…
Djembe and Donuts: My First Encounter with Hong Kong’s African Community
By Esther Ng Although I have lived in Hong Kong for many years, I have only recently began to confront the borders that snake through the world I call ‘home’. The places I frequent and the people I socialise with have mostly been confined to certain quarters and communities within this city. I think to…
Freedom – above all: Refugee Perspectives
As told to Mhairi McLaughlin and Rivekie Ho. Annie* arrived in Hong Kong over a year ago, after being trafficked into a forced marriage in Mainland China. She is originally from Madagascar. Although living in limbo as an asylum seeker, she talks about the importance of freedom. How long have you been in Hong Kong?…
“We just hope that there is a future”: Keeping family together against all odds
As told to Tegan Smyth Kiran* has been in Hong Kong for over a decade, after fleeing political persecution in his home country. He shared several Nepalese dishes and discussed how he is trying to make the best life for his family in Hong Kong. How is it making Nepalese food in Hong Kong?…
“No matter the situation, we should always have hope”
As told to Edmond Lo and Tegan Smyth. Translated by Tegan Smyth. André* has been living in Hong Kong since 2013, after fleeing sectarian violence in his home country, Togo. He left amid suspicious fires occurring at two major markets in Togo, leading to the arrest of opposition members without trial, ahead of the country’s parliamentary polls….
Living with a chronic illness in Hong Kong: Refugee Perspectives
As told to Tegan Smyth and Rivekie Ho. Sarah* arrived in Hong Kong as a foreign domestic helper. However, after falling sick with a serious illness, her contract of employment was cancelled and her employment agency bought tickets to send her home. After overstaying in Hong Kong to receive medical treatment, she is now living…
Language Barriers & Isolation: Keeping culture and hope alive in Hong Kong
Daud* and Aicha* came to Hong Kong nearly 3 years ago. While preparing several dishes from their country of origin, Chad, they told us about their day to day lives in Hong Kong and the difficulties that stem from not being able to work and having no means to speak to people in a common…
Legal Limbo, Mental Health & Faith: Intersections
As told to Shama Mashroor When discussing the lives of refugees, mental health is a factor that is often overlooked by policy-makers and individual citizens alike. What does it feel like to leave your home behind in search of a better one so that you can provide for your family, while also struggling with an…
“We love to share our food with friends and celebrate being together”: Refugee perspectives
“I was training to become a wrestler back in my home country, I hope I can one day be sponsored to continue my passion in Hong Kong”, says Roman*, an asylum seeker from the Caucasus. Roman’s place of birth is only recognised as an independent country by a handful of nations. To the rest of…
Creating a life after trauma: building a future in Hong Kong
As told to Mhairi McLaughlin and Sophie Hines. Translation by Tegan Smyth. Laura and Maria*, are from Madagascar. They arrived in Hong Kong around a year ago, after fleeing forced marriages to men in Mainland China. This is their story (Part 2 of 2). See Part 1 here. And then you escaped to Hong Kong?…
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