Project Overview

This data story uses food as a medium to foster mutual understanding between Thai society and the Myanmar migrant community in Thailand. It was developed with the support of the Hit Tine platform.

The project has three core objectives :

To build meaningful connections between Thai people and the Myanmar community through a shared food culture
To reduce unfamiliarity and bias that serve as barriers to social integration
To reflect the value of cultural diversity and its positive contribution to society

Survey & Research

The project began with a comprehensive effort to understand Thai people's perspectives on Myanmar food culture through surveys and interviews. Data was collected from Thai individuals, both those who had and had not previously dined at a Myanmar restaurant. Key questions covered topics such as Myanmar dishes they had tried, their perceived level of similarity between Thai and Myanmar cuisine, reasons for not having visited any Myanmar restaurants, and whether trying Myanmar food had increased their understanding of Myanmar culture.

Storyboard

Following the data collection phase, the team designed a narrative structure that gradually guides readers from unfamiliarity toward understanding, using food as the central thread throughout the piece. The structure was intended to illustrate that two cultures which may appear different on the surface in fact share more similarities than one might expect.

An example of the storyboard structure can be seen below.

Intro - Opening with the idea that food is not merely sustenance, but a reflection of culture, history, and shared identity
Main Story - An image quiz inviting readers to guess the dish, before revealing it is in fact Myanmar cuisine, followed by data on why Thai people have yet to explore Myanmar restaurants
Interview & Story - Stories from Myanmar restaurants in Chiang Mai, featuring menu comparisons between Thai and Myanmar dishes
Conclude - A closing reflection on how Myanmar food serves as tangible evidence of a long-shared cultural connection

Data Visualization

Data from the surveys was translated into charts and geo charts, embedded at key points throughout the narrative. This approach allowed the data to support the storytelling naturally, while providing readers with a clearer picture of the issues being explored.

Result

The final output is a data storytelling website that seamlessly integrates narrative and data visualization. The work aims to shift readers' perspectives on Myanmar culture and cuisine and to demonstrate that mutual understanding between two cultures can begin with something as familiar as food.

Flavor Frontiers