Takeaway: Stories from a childhood behind the counter

In her memoir, "Growing Up in a Chinese Takeaway," Angela Hui shares her experiences growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales, including the strife and beauty of life in the takeaway and the food of her home culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE FORTNUM & MASON DEBUT FOOD BOOK AWARD 2023


A captivating book: masterfully written, poignant, and contemplative
Ruby Tandoh
A heartwarming, luminous memoir that delves into the realms of identity, food, family, and relationships
Annie Lord
Growing up in a Chinese takeaway in rural Wales, Angela Hui was acutely aware from a tender age of how her family and her differed from the local community's perception. From assaults on the shopfront, which essentially amounted to their home, to verbal abuse from customers, and confrontations that often culminated with her father brandishing the meat cleaver; life growing up in a takeaway was far from serene.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, there existed a profound beauty and joy in the rhythm of life within the takeaway and in being enveloped by the culinary traditions of her homeland. Family dinners before service, research trips to Hong Kong, and the preparations for the weekend rush with her brothers—the takeaway buzzed with activity even before a customer placed an order of egg-fried rice and chop suey.
Through this captivating memoir, readers are invited to accompany Angela on a journey from her earliest memories within the takeaway to her family's decision to close the shop after 30 years in business. It is a warmly immersive narrative from someone positioned on the other side of the counter, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those behind the scenes of the culinary world.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398705562