On a social level, I wanted this blog to document and celebrate the contributions of immigrant populations in Philadelphia, with a particular focus on how these groups maintain their cultural heritage while adapting to urban life in Philadelphia. By highlighting how food, festivals, and other cultural traditions serve as mechanisms for identity expression, this blog addresses a crucial gap in understanding how immigrant communities navigate their identities within a globalized city. On a commercial level, the blog also aims to spotlight immigrant-owned businesses that act as cultural hubs for certain communities, fostering greater awareness and appreciation among Philadelphia residents and curious visitors. It also serves as an accessible resource for organizations and policymakers interested in supporting immigrant communities.

I named this project "Through the Looking Glass" because I’m able to peer into the lives and histories of people. For myself, I don’t necessarily know my history or beginning because there is no tangible record of it. But to be able to look into another’s life and see how their identity is shaped through culture, tradition, and history is a beautiful thing. I am quite encapsulated by the beauty and complexity of this project. The varying intersectionality that is brought forth and my reflection of the Black identity and broader African diaspora. For a city I was born and raised in, and for a city my family has been in for over 100 years, I am grateful to be able to understand and appreciate Philadelphia more deeply. The same streets I've walked throughout my childhood and high school days brought an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. From the South East Asian Market at FDR Park in the spring to savoring tacos at La Catrachita in Southport Plaza, indulging in ricotta cookies my dad would bring home from Isgro’s, and enjoying a bowl at Pho 75 after school in Wing Phat Plaza, Philadelphia’s food scene is rich and filled with flavors all around the world. From dining at The Dutch Eating Place in Reading Terminal to late-night dinners at Mai Lai Wah in Chinatown, the city’s culinary landscape is further defined by the nostalgic flavors of Kimchi House in Spring Garden, the Parisian-Lebanese brunch at Café La Maude in Northern Liberties, and Vietnamese bites at Caphe Roasters in North Philly. Meanwhile, Kaffa Crossing and Kilimandjaro in West Philly bring the warmth of Ethiopian and Senegalese cuisine to the community. These restaurants are more than just places to eat, they are the backbone of Philadelphia’s cultural identity, shaping its diverse and unique food scene.

*All photos on this website are taken by myself, please do not repost without credits*