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Embracing Cultural Identity: A Journey Through Richmond’s Fairfax of Diversity

During my youth in California’s Bay Area in the 1980s, I often felt like an outsider, navigating the complexities of my Asian American identity. As one of only two Asian Americans in my grade, my weekends included attending Chinese School, yet I often felt disconnected from both my cultural heritage and the mainstream American experience. This duality was underscored during family visits to Taiwan, where my mannerisms clearly marked me as an American. My ethnic identity was an ongoing struggle, caught between these two worlds.

A pivotal moment in my journey came during a family trip to Richmond, British Columbia, while visiting Expo ‘86. It was in Richmond that I discovered a remarkable blend of my Eastern heritage and Western upbringing. The city was a vibrant tapestry of cultures, where both Asian and English dialects flowed freely, making it unlike anything I had experienced back home in California.

Fast forward over 35 years, I returned to Richmond during the celebratory season of the Lunar New Year in 2024, eager to reconnect with a community that had once embraced me.

Richmond stands out demographically, with approximately 74 percent of its residents identifying as Asian. This includes a significant Chinese demographic, along with sizable Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese communities. Such diversity is not simply scattered enclaves but rather a cohesive city where cultural elements flourish side by side.

In Asian culture, the importance of food is paramount. It often replaces the casual greetings of “How are you?” with a much more significant question: “Have you eaten yet?”. After landing at Vancouver International Airport, I sought out stinky tofu, a fermented delicacy that delights my palate despite its intense aroma. I was thrilled to find a nearby establishment serving it, marking the start of my culinary journey.

When I visited Uno Beef Noodle, the staff conversed with me in a Mandarin-English blend, resonating with how I communicate with my family. I followed tradition by ordering the beef noodle soup, a hallmark of Taiwanese cuisine, which proved to be a delightful experience from the very first slurp.

Back home, a friend expressed disbelief that I didn’t awaken each day feeling wholly Asian. The reality is that in Asia, I frequently felt like an outsider. Yet, my time in Richmond, a place where I have no ancestral ties, allowed me to feel acknowledged for who I am. Here, I found a harmonious integration of my dual identities, enhanced by the renowned Canadian warmth and hospitality.

Feeling this acceptance inspired me to immerse myself further into the local culture. I enjoyed coffee in a trendy café in a historic district, relished rice rolls and congee at Hei Hei Rice Roll within Richmond Public Market, and learned about Canada’s fishing history at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Each of these moments fueled my appreciation for the vibrant tapestry of life in Richmond.

Richmond’s proximity to Vancouver also contributed to its unique charm, creating a sense of authenticity rather than an isolated enclave. In the city, 13 percent of residents speak Chinese at home, highlighting the culturally rich environment.

A stroll through Richmond’s Chinatown revealed an array of significant landmarks, including the Chinese Canadian Museum and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. I joined a private tour hosted by Robert Sung of A Wok Around Chinatown, gaining insights into the history and contributions of Asian immigrants in Canada. The experiences culminated in the lively Lunar New Year parade, where the spirited performance of dragon and lion dancers filled the rainy streets with energy and joy.

After this memorable journey in 2024, returning to the U.S. brought a newfound sense of pride in my Asian American identity—ironically, a lesson learned abroad. In New York City, I engaged more deeply with the local Asian culture, attending the Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and visiting the Museum of Chinese in America, culminating in a nostalgic Asian dinner at Potluck Club with my cousins.

This journey illuminated the profound interconnectedness of my cultural heritage, revealing that understanding and acceptance can transcend borders, allowing both sides of my identity to coexist beautifully.

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