A pilot study of the co-creation experience in traditional Cantonese teahouses in Hong Kong

The dying out of traditional foodways calls for urgent attention from local culinary sources to sustain cultural identity. This study aims to examine how the remaining traditional Cantonese teahouses have survived in modern society and how they have an irreplaceable value in the minds of the locals. In addition, the study examines how the Cantonese teahouses draw the attention of tourists as a symbolic cultural attraction in Hong Kong. Using a qualitative approach, 2 experienced managers and 10 customers (including locals and tourists) were interviewed. The findings suggest that the co-creation experience of traditional Cantonese teahouses is irreplaceable as it represents the local culture in Hong Kong. Such culinary culture also provides a unique and memorable food experience in the minds of both locals and tourists for various reasons such as customer interaction, yum cha culture, and the local lifestyle.