Chinese Restaurants in Accra, Ghana: Representing Chinese Culture in a Globalized African Metropolis

• Post by: Marcelo Pena
• December 2, 2023
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Camille Luong, Stanford University

Abstract

Today, Ghana’s capital city of Accra is globalizing at a rapid pace. Accra is a popular destination for international and business travelers, as well as migrants from across the world. This research paper zooms in on one of the most prominent non-African ethnic groups in Accra: the Chinese diaspora. Although there is literature on Chinese cuisine overseas, cultural exchange through food, and globalization in Accra, there is a research gap regarding how these phenomena intersect in Accra. To address this gap, this paper examines two displays at the forefront of Chinese restaurants: signs and menus. How do Chinese restaurant owners choose to represent Chinese culture in a globalizing Accra?

This paper argues that these Chinese restaurants are actively engaging in transnationalism, linking together their country of origin with their country of resettlement. This process of transnationalism is discussed using three different lenses: Chinese language as maintenance of Chinese culture, multiculturalism and fusion in menus, and standardized symbolism of Chinese culture. Ultimately, these findings demonstrate that Ghanaian Chinese restaurants utilize signs and menus to maintain Chinese culture as well as adapt to fit into a globalizing Accra. In understanding this case study, we can better understand diasporic representations of culture, processes of transnationalism, and modern globalizing cities.