Sweetness, Maids and Power: Globalization of First World Kitchen and Care Work

Migrants’ food and food identity has long been a topic that has interested many anthropologists. In this talk, I will explore the roles played by food in the working space of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong (HK). While many have studied the disadvantaged plights of female migrant domestic workers, few are concerned about their food-making experiences and how these Southeast Asian workers help globalize the kitchen of many middle class families in HK. With the contribution of their cooking skills and ethnic dishes, not only have foreign domestic helpers enriched their employers’ food choices, they have also created new power dynamics in the kitchen space. This presentation will bring you on a food journey to experience how migrant workers have added to the colors, tastes, and flavors of the dining table of Hong Kong people who come to learn about ‘Southeast Asia’ on their taste buds.