In 2006, during his gap year before university, my son embarked on a transformative journey across Australia and New Zealand. Upon his return, he shared profound insights about the essence of home—a concept that resonated deeply with me. His observations led me to reflect on my own experiences of home, from my childhood in China to my current life in London. This reflection culminated in an exploration of Queensway, a vibrant street in west London, where we discovered a rich tapestry of global cuisines, each offering a unique taste of home.
Unveiling the Riches of Queensway: A Culinary Journey Beyond Borders
Childhood Memories and the Meaning of Home
The notion of home has always been complex for me. My early years were spent between my grandparents' houses, as my parents were busy serving the Chinese Communist Party. I have few memories of this time, but it marked the beginning of my understanding of home as a place of absence rather than presence. Later, I found myself in a political orphanage, labeled a "black child" during the Cultural Revolution. For six and a half years, we were isolated from the rest of society, denied even the simplest pleasures of childhood. It was a stark contrast to the warmth and familiarity that many associate with home.My third experience of home was not a physical place but a journey. Between 1989 and 1997, I hosted a radio program called Words on the Night Breeze, interviewing Chinese women and exploring their perspectives on home. Through these conversations, I began to see home as a fluid concept, shaped by personal experiences and cultural traditions. This journey ultimately led me to England, where I found a true sense of belonging at the age of 40.Queensway: A Street with a Story
When I moved to Queensway in the summer of 2002, I was struck by its vibrant energy. Initially, I knew little about the history of this bustling street. But after my son's reflections on the meaning of home, I became curious about its past. Queensway, originally known as Black Lion Lane, was renamed Queen’s Road in 1837 to honor Queen Victoria. However, the name was later changed to Queensway, as Queen’s Road was deemed too common. The northern end of the street once housed one of London’s first department stores, Whiteleys, established in the 1860s. Today, Queensway is a hub of diverse restaurants, cafes, and pubs, reflecting the multicultural fabric of London.A Taste of the World: Exploring Queensway’s Culinary Landscape
Inspired by my son's travels, we embarked on a culinary adventure along Queensway. Each week, we visited a different restaurant, sampling dishes from around the world. We started with Mexican food at the Queens ice-skating rink, then ventured into Moroccan, Brazilian, Arabic, Persian, Indian, Iraqi, Turkish, Russian, Italian, French, Greek, Thai, Malaysian, Mediterranean, Korean, and Chinese cuisines. Even fast-food chains like McDonald’s and KFC were part of our journey, offering a taste of American culture. One of the most memorable meals was at a Japanese conveyor-belt sushi spot in Whiteleys. Despite ordering the cheapest option—a single bowl of fried rice—we received an unexpectedly generous portion from the Chinese chef. The meal was simple yet filling, reminding us that sometimes the smallest gestures can create the most meaningful experiences.Queensway: A Global Crossroads
What began as a short-term project stretched over 27 weeks, revealing the incredible diversity of Queensway. We discovered that this street offered cuisine from at least 27 countries, a testament to London’s status as a global city. My late husband, Toby Eady, used to joke that he was surprised to hear English spoken outside our flat. After completing our culinary journey, I understood his surprise. Queensway is more than just a street; it’s a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and flavors, where people from all corners of the world come together to share their heritage.Home in the Heart of London
Living in Queensway has given me a new perspective on home. It’s not just a physical space but a community, a place where diverse cultures coexist and thrive. Each restaurant we visited was a window into another world, offering glimpses of traditions and customs from far-flung places. In this vibrant corner of London, I’ve found a home that reflects the richness and complexity of my own life journey. And for that, I am truly grateful.New
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