LESSON 1: CULTURAL TIES TO FOOD
Japanese
In the Japanese culture, people get together to pound mochi in preparation for the New Year and eat mochi soup
(eaten with kamaboko or fish cake) on New Year’s morning.
Other traditional foods are:
• Sake, juubako zume, beans for good health, fish roe for prosperity, dried squid for happiness
Korean
Fruit, hangwa (a traditional Korean snack), ttokkuk (rice cake soup), galbijjim (rib stew), japchae (noodles with meat and
vegetables), Korean-style pancakes, and various types of fish and wild vegetables are all prepared for Korean New Year’s
celebrations. Rice sweets filled with black and sweet bean and sweet sesame fillings are also eaten for New Year’s.
“First of all, you have to eat ttokkkuk, ttok is the rice cake and kuk is the soup. You have to eat this rice cake soup in order
to age one year.”
Cambodian
“One of the special foods, onsom, is sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and tied with string.” Another is a fried dough called
ginger dessert. For lack of translation, there are also fried cookies called nom kgnay. These sugar-glazed cookies are made from
rice flower in the shape of ginger root—they have no ginger inside.
For the main meal, there are typically five or more dishes that are made to share with families. One is a noodle dish called chha
masseur. Chha masseur is fried clear noodles with different kinds of mushrooms, onion, rehydrated banana flowers, ground
pork, seasoning and topped with cilantro. Other dishes include: different varieties of Cambodian soups with a medley of
vegetables, herbs and proteins; broiled and salted dehydrated fish; marinated grilled chicken, and of course, steamed jasmine
rice. As Phala Chea’s family grew over the years into a bigger extended family, each of them was assigned to bring a couple of
dishes to the family potluck. They would also make a food offering for the ancestors at this time. A small portion of each type
of food is dished up into small plates or bowls, and placed onto a tray with lit candles and incense. Then their ancestors are
invited to join in the celebration.
Cambodian American families honor many traditions during the New Year celebrations including offerings to ancestors and
god/goddesses (earth guardians called Devadas or Tevodas which can be male or female) and attending temple.
It is believed that every year a different Devada descends to protect the earth. There is a specific date and time when the new
Devada arrives each year. Before his or her arrival, Phala will put out a tray of offerings to welcome the Devada so (s)he will
bless her family’s home. The tray of offerings typically contains fresh fruits, non-perishable snacks, drinks, incense, candles
and flowers. If the female Devada is scheduled to arrive, perfume and other accessories can also be added if desired.
My Own Cultural Foods
What culture do you identify with? What special foods are from your culture? What are the foods you enjoy eating as
a family? Are there any special meanings or traditions associated with these foods?
Post-Reading Discussion Questions
• Compare and contrast all five categories of cultural foods.
• What are the similarities and differences?
• What is your favorite ethnic food? What do you like most about the cuisine?
• Have you tried any of the other cultural foods listed in the chapters you’ve read?
• What other cultural foods have you tried before? What did you like or dislike about them?
Extension Activity
Choose a culture or ethnic group that you would like to learn more about. Research what foods they eat on a day-to-day basis
and also the foods they prepare when they celebrate special occasions. Write (or type) a half-page statement and be prepared
to share it with your class.
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