-
Why I Always Finish Each Grain of Rice
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez “Every Grain of Rice: A Lesson from Nanay” Growing up, my Filipino nanay—my grandmother— was a source of endless wisdom and gentle teachings. When she moved to America she worked for S.O.M.E (So Others Might Eat) where they strive to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Her voice was a steady guide in my childhood, weaving lessons into my everyday life. Of all the teachings she taught me, one stuck with me the most: “Finish every grain of rice on your plate. There are hungry children in the Philippines who would give anything for what you have.” As a child, I didn’t fully understand her…
-
Louie’s Dishes: My Mother’s Best Homemade Meals
Submitted by Francesca Tero My mother, Eloisa Espiritu, otherwise known as “Louie”, built her own catering business from the talent of her two hands. Technically, four or six hands if you count the occasional times my sister and I are recruited to help her. Nonetheless, her business, “Louie’s Dishes”, came to life in the kitchen of my childhood home when my mom decided to put her own twist on the viral “Sushi Bake” recipe that was taking over the Internet at the time. It’s important to note that ever since I was young, I’ve had the pleasure of tasting and appreciating the variety of dishes my mom had a knack…
-
How Korean Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving
By Hera Lee Thanksgiving is a special holiday that is celebrated in the United States. Americans come together with families and friends to celebrate the holiday of giving thanks; hence the name Thanksgiving. One of this celebration’s main key points is sharing a huge and elaborate feast that includes foods like turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. These are the standard dishes you may see on the dining table, but some people, especially those from different ethnic backgrounds, might bring different cuisines. Korean Americans, for example, love celebrating Thanksgiving for sharing delicious food. Koreans are known for their style of sharing food—we don’t order food for…
-
My Annual Thanksgiving Dishes on My Table!
Submitted by Angelina Ng As November slowly comes to an end, Thanksgiving is nearby! A holiday that celebrates family, loved ones, and blessings, I always look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by the people I love and care about the most. I would see the most classic Thanksgiving dishes on television: turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and pie. Although those dishes are traditional and delicious on Thanksgiving, my household likes to incorporate a twist with Asian dishes and even some takeout! Every year, we have just a few main dishes we bring to the table as a tradition, however, we like to change up our platters and…
-
Sweet Delights: Cheat Day ft. Asian Desserts
Submitted by Jodie Li When I have my cheat days, my heart always stays close to Asian cuisines. With various alluring flavors and textures of food, it’s hard to resist my sweet tooth. From crispy pastries to creamy rice dishes, these indulgent treats bring a taste of tradition and satisfaction, making them perfect for a day of indulgence. Here’s a look at some must-try Asian-themed cheat day desserts I recommend and adore the taste of: 1. Honey Toast Originating from Japan, Honey Toast (Shibuya Toast) features a thick slice of toasted bread, buttered and baked until crispy outside but soft inside. Topped with honey, whipped cream, and fruits like bananas…
-
Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking in Asia
Submitted by Daniella Avisado Backpacking through Asia is a dream for many travelers, including myself. Although I’ve personally never been to Asia before, there are tons of vloggers & influencers out there that have documented their experiences. I’ve definitely learned a few things from them and would love to share my knowledge with you all. Here’s a guide to help you potentially start your journey: 1. Choosing Your Destinations Asia is incredibly diverse, with countries that differ in culture, climate, and cost. As a beginner, it’s essential to narrow down your options based on your interests. Popular backpacking routes include: Southeast Asia: Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos are…
-
Lost in Translation: My Year in Vietnam and the English I Left Behind
Submitted by Steven Pham It was the spring of my third-grade year when my world shifted dramatically. My family decided to spend nearly a year in Vietnam, a choice that felt both exhilarating and daunting. Little did I know, this journey would lead me to a profound moment of change in my life. In Vietnam, everything was vibrant and new—the bustling streets filled with the sound of laughter and the fragrant aroma of street food. Surrounded by my family, I quickly became immersed in Vietnamese. With everyone speaking the language, I found myself picking it up effortlessly. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, while my English sat neglected…
-
Cheapest But Tastiest Foods in Korea
Submitted by Gina Choi This past Summer, I visited South Korea for the first time. This was such an enlightening experience and not a day goes by without missing the people, the culture, and the cuisine. The cuisine was definitely something to admire especially because of its cheap prices. In this article, I will be sharing some popular street foods that I’ve been so grateful to enjoy throughout my trip to the motherland. 십원빵 – 10 Won Bread This delectable bread deserves its spot as number one on this list for its price and quality. The 10 won bread is sold for just 10 won as its name suggests, making…
-
Allure of Night Markets: A Vibrant Fusion of Culture, Food, and Community
Submitted by Jodie Li As the sun begins to set and the lights flicker to life, the cities in Asia reawakens. The streets that were quiet during the day, transformed into vibrant night markets, where the air fills with the smell of sizzling street food, the chatter of excited crowds, and the yellings of vendors calling out their delicious specialties. For many, these markets are more than just a place to grab a quick bite or pick up souvenirs—they celebrate culture and are a gathering point for the community. In the heart of these bustling scenes lies a blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, offering a unique experience…
-
TV Show Review: Shogun
Shogun, set against the mesmerizing backdrop of 17th-century Japan, seamlessly combines historical drama, political intrigue, and cultural discovery. Following the resilient Lord Yoshii Toranaga, the narrative guides viewers through a tumultuous era in Japanese history. Shogun's meticulous attention to detail in recreating feudal Japan's rich tapestry sets it apart. From elaborate costumes to stunning landscapes, the series transports audiences to a bygone era, immersing them in the intricate world of samurai, shoguns, and political maneuvering.
