The cultural mosaic of Toronto’s theatre scene just gained a vibrant new addition with “A Taste of Hong Kong,” a groundbreaking production that opened last weekend at the Theatre Centre on Queen Street West. As someone who’s covered Toronto’s arts scene for over a decade, I can confidently say this production offers something truly distinctive in our city’s cultural landscape.
Fu Hong Theatre Company, in collaboration with local Asian Canadian artists, has crafted an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional theatrical boundaries. The production invites audiences to journey through Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage through a blend of storytelling, multimedia projections, and—most uniquely—culinary experiences.
“We wanted to create something that engages all the senses,” explains artistic director Maya Wong. “Hong Kong’s identity is so deeply connected to its food culture that we couldn’t tell an authentic story without including that dimension.”
The show unfolds in three acts, each paired with small tastings prepared by Chef Daniel Liu of Eastside Eatery. These culinary moments aren’t mere intermission snacks but integral components of the narrative, connecting audience members to emotional beats within the story.
What struck me most was the production’s multigenerational approach. The narrative weaves together stories from Hong Kong spanning the 1960s to present day, examining themes of identity, migration, and belonging that resonate deeply with Toronto’s diverse Asian Canadian communities.
“This isn’t just nostalgic tourism,” notes playwright Raymond Tsang. “We’re exploring the complex relationships between homeland, adopted country, and the cultural spaces in between. These are universal human experiences filtered through a specific cultural lens.”
Toronto’s Asian Canadian theatre movement has been gaining momentum in recent years. The success of companies like fu-GEN Theatre and productions at Factory Theatre has demonstrated growing audience appetite for authentic Asian Canadian stories. According to data from the Toronto Arts Foundation, performances featuring diverse cultural narratives saw attendance increase by 23% over the past three years.
City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, who attended opening night, emphasized the importance of cultural productions like this. “Toronto’s strength lies in our diversity. When we create platforms for authentic cultural expression, we enrich our entire community’s understanding of each other.”
The production features an ensemble cast of seven performers who transition between roles spanning different eras. Notably, three cast members are recent graduates from York University’s theatre program, reflecting the production’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent within Toronto’s Asian Canadian arts community.
Sound designer Jennifer Lee created a sonic landscape that blends traditional Cantonese music with contemporary urban sounds, mirroring Hong Kong’s fusion of traditional and modern elements. “The auditory experience should feel like walking through different neighborhoods and eras,” Lee explains.
The performance space itself has been transformed with installation elements that recreate snippets of Hong Kong streetscapes, from a replica dai pai dong (street food stall) to projections of the iconic harbor skyline. These elements create an environment that shifts between intimate personal spaces and bustling public settings.
While covering opening weekend, I noticed the audience was remarkably diverse—not just in terms of Asian Canadian attendance but across age groups and backgrounds. This suggests the production has found a way to make culturally specific stories universally accessible.
During a post-show discussion, audience member Eleanor Chan, who emigrated from Hong Kong in the 1980s, wiped away tears. “They captured something I haven’t been able to explain to my Canadian-born children—that feeling of having your heart in two places at once.”
“A Taste of Hong Kong” runs until November 27 at the Theatre Centre. Given the intimate nature of the performance and the culinary elements, tickets are limited to 60 attendees per show. Based on opening weekend’s sold-out performances, early booking is recommended.
As Toronto continues evolving as a global cultural hub, productions like this represent the kind of innovative, community-connected storytelling that enriches our city’s artistic identity. By blending theatrical traditions with culinary experiences and personal narratives, “A Taste of Hong Kong” offers precisely what its title promises—a taste of another place that leaves you wanting to explore more deeply.
