Anti-Racism Legislation Community Engagement Project
Vancouver TableTalks
This summer, we interviewed 5 BIPOC local restaurant owners about their stories, passions, and experiences. These open-ended and genuine conversations authentically portray what makes each space a unique and essential community pillar; at the same time, they uncover common themes of inequity and discrimination. Each participant, along with their family members or staff, shared anecdotes of resilience and moments of truth and vulnerability with commendable courage. These interview sessions act as tokens of the greater BIPOC community’s impact. By participating and contributing to the discourse, key experiences and emotions associated with the gaps in racial equity, are brought to the surface.
William from Kam Wai Dim Sum was where it all started.
This social media project, Vancouver Table Talks, was inspired by William’s appearance in Big Fight in Little Chinatown, a documentary on the Chinatowns in North America and their struggles with gentrification from a multi-generational and historical approach.
Our first post was about the every-day racist aggressions Kam Wai has experienced and how that compares to the experiences of its previous owner, William’s father. It shines light on the prevalence of the MSG myth today, as well as how the gentrification of Chinatown has affected the local business owners.
“We're very transparent, we do use MSG. And we are very proud of it, because it is a part of our culture. So we're not going to hide that away. But for people to use that as an attack on our culture is just so unfair. I feel like one of the biggest advantage that [my sister] Susan and I have is that we actually were born here and our second language is English. So we're not easy targets. But that doesn't mean we're not targeted. One way that I feel like we're targeted a lot is actually through our food. So when we first reopened in 2021, White people mostly will come in and say why do you use MSG, why would you put this in food and hurt people? And we actually got this pretty much daily for a good two weeks. I'd train my staff to stay calm, how to approach it and explain MSG is actually a generic naturally occurring process in a lot of foods.”
Our second post was a reel from the interview where William shares a touching story of intergenerational space and its connection between people.
What makes it worth it for you at the end of the day, amidst all the politics and prejudice in Chinatown?
"This middle-aged woman came in and said her dad just passed, and one of her dad's favourite things to eat and bring home was our wontons. And he told her to come to Kam Wai and buy it for him one last time.
That kind of a story, that kind of connection is for me what makes it so worth it. You know, like it's not just connecting people to food, it's connecting people to people."
Fred Soofi, Pasta Polo
Fred Soofi, founder of Pasta Polo, crosses the cultural boundaries between cuisines as an Iranian immigrant who learned how to cook Italian food while paying for his university tuition.
His story represents the courage one needed in the 1970s. He simultaneously worked long hours, went to university, and learned English, all to eventually become the chef and owner of multiple restaurants. He credits all of his achievements to his community and those who have helped him. Fred’s perspective on the BIPOC small-business experience greatly emphasizes “passing it forward” his Medal of Good Citizenship represents his great philanthropic contributions and leadership for his community.
On a much more personal scale, Fred helped Pasta Polo’s now owner acquire the restaurant by providing financial support. During our interview, he proudly introduced us to the restaurant's current owner, an immigrant from Korea who had undoubtedly proven herself to be an incredibly hard-working employee. Fred decided to retire and sell Pasta Polo a few years back, but he needed to find someone he trusts with the same passion. After learning about her personal background and strong work ethic, he decided to provide financial support to help her eventually own Pasta Polo.
Fred’s story also puts forth a sense of awareness of the impact that time, and its current economic and political state has on one’s chance at success.
During our interview, he explained that the barriers to accessing resources are harder and different nowadays; there is not only more competition (scarcity of government loans), but also different competition (with rapid technological advances). In summary, Fred’s story provides a multigenerational view on the inter-cultural support and appreciation that comes with food.
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The Anti-Racism Legislation Community Engagement grant took place from July to the end of September 2023.
You can check out the list of recipients here.
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Project was managed by PCHC coordinator Stephanie Jiang.
All media was produced by documentary videographer and photographer Daniel Chen.
You can read Daniel’s bio here.
Kam Wai Dim Sum
Behavar, Celeshmet
Behavar and her mother from Celeshmet, a Persian restaurant that touched the hearts of many on Victoria Dr and beyond.
Al, Saba Foods
Al and Husam from Saba Foods, the only Yemeni cuisine you can find in Vancouver. Located in the heart of Chinatown.
Each post included interview quotes, and photos of the people and their businesses. To promote what they have to offer to the greater Vancouver audience as well as our own PCHC audience, we conducted social media giveaways with gift cards funded by the grant. We have received great feedback from our audience for validating racialized experiences and also helping educate others on misconceptions.
Our participants embody a diverse range of backgrounds, values, beliefs, and cultures. They find common ground through their deep commitment to hospitality and their love of contributing to their multicultural community. PCHC-MoM Society commends these community pillars for their integrity, kindness, and compassion.
This Instagram project was able to humanize and amplify the BIPOC experience in Vancouver, as well as promote these local gems to thousands of users.
“It’s not just connecting people to food, it’s about connecting people to people.”
Irfan, Grandmama’s Cafe
Irfan and Sana from Grandmama's Cafe, located in Kerrisdale with roots from Indian and inspirations from around the world.
Fred Soofi & Leticia Sánchez (PCHC-MoM Vice President)