Chinese Restaurants

From the House of Liang Nam to the Kam Ling Bamboo Rooms: the pioneers who made the long journey from Hong Kong to bring Chinese food to Birmingham.

Hampered slightly by a lack of commentary, this film does give us a rare look at Birmingham's 1960s Chinese restaurants. Diners talk about the appeal of this new and exotic way of eating and there is also an interview with an owner, who hints at the difficulties faced by those pioneering workers who risked the Ј85 single fare from Hong Kong to start a new life. We also see glimpses of the old world with men playing the traditional game of Xiangqi in their cramped bedsit.