Chi-Cha Filipino Cuisine as a Diasporic Space in Nanzih, Taiwan

Summary This case study examines Chi-Cha Filipino Cuisine, a migrant-owned restaurant in Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, and how it functions as a diasporic space for Filipino migrants. Drawing on theories of diaspora space, transnationalism, third-place, and material culture, the study explores how foreign small food businesses can fulfill vital social and emotional functions beyond commerce. Chi-Cha Filipino Cuisine is situated in Nanzih, an industrial district with a high concentration of migrant workers, that features Filipino stores and restaurants, making it a central hub for community interaction. Chi-Cha, opened in May 2024 by a long-term Filipino resident of Taiwan, serves authentic Filipino cuisine while offering a welcoming, familiar environment. Through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, the study uncovers how the restaurant fosters identity negotiation, community building, and cultural expression. Findings show that Chi-Cha preserves culinary traditions, promotes kinship-based interactions, and uses food, music, and décor to recreate a sense of home. Despite challenges like neighborhood tensions and labor demands, it remains a valued third place for migrants. In conclusion, Chi-Cha is more than a dining venue; it is a cultural anchor and a home away from home that sustains migrant well-being and belonging in a transnational context.