Taiwanese Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Taiwan is an island off the south-east coast of China, famous for its mountains, night markets and technology industry. Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien are widely spoken. Taiwanese people in Birmingham include students, academics, engineers and professionals, many drawn by the city's universities.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 77 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Taiwanese.

Working for Birmingham

Taiwanese residents work and study in engineering, science, medicine, design and business. Taiwan is a world leader in making computer chips, and Taiwanese engineers and researchers bring valuable expertise in electronics and technology. Some have opened cafes and food businesses, adding to the variety of the city centre.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and its progress has always depended on people who chose to make it home. Its hospitals, schools and universities, its building sites, workshops, warehouses and kitchens all rely on skills brought from around the world. The Taiwanese community adds its own share to that effort, and takes pride in giving back to the city that welcomed it.

Culture and community life

Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan in the 1980s and is now sold across Birmingham. Lunar New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival are celebrated with family meals, and dishes such as beef noodle soup, gua bao and pineapple cake are treasured tastes of home.

Birmingham's strength lies in its variety, and the Taiwanese community is a welcome part of it. As the city continues to grow and change, that contribution will remain part of the story of a place that has always looked forward.