By Kimberly Blaker
Teaching children about different cultures is a great way to defeat stereotypes, break down barriers, and help young people learn to value and respect those who are different from them. So why not give your grandkids the opportunity to experience the many cultures that make up our diverse planet and country? A fun way to explore that diversity is by trying foods and mealtime customs of other nationalities and of unique American regions.
If your grandkids are picky eaters, don’t sweat it. There are yummy foods from every culture that children will eat. Try some of the following dishes you are likely to find at local ethnic restaurants. If you can’t find the cuisine in your area, you can look for recipes online for your whole family to enjoy cooking together.
Middle-Eastern. There are many types of Arab cuisines. The most popular in America is Lebanese. Hummus and pita bread is a healthful mouth-watering appetizer. If your grandkids have only tried store-bought hummus, they’ll be in for a real treat with fresh, authentic hummus.
Deliciously seasoned chicken shawarma, which you can order as a dinner or in a pita sandwich, is a favorite Lebanese meal. There are several Lebanese meal customs to keep in mind. First, a person always dresses well when dining. Then, greet your elders first, and wait to be told where to sit. Also, hold your fork in your left hand (knife goes in the right), try all foods at the table, and be prepared to take seconds and thirds at the offering of your host.
Indian. The food of India varies somewhat by region, but there are several Indian dishes children tend to enjoy. Curd rice, a yogurt rice dish of Southern India, is a favorite. Eat it plain, or combine it with lentils or a meat dish. Also, nearly everyone loves Tandoori chicken, including young people. A Northern India favorite is mutter paneer, a curry dish made with peas and fried cubed cottage cheese in a tomato sauce.
A few meal customs to observe include thoroughly washing your hands before the meal and eating with your hands. Avoid mixing utensils between dishes. With hygiene being essential, Indians don’t dip into shared bowls, share cutlery, or pass food with their fingers. In rural settings, Indians dress comfortably and sit on floor mats.
Native American. In the United States, there are 562 Native American tribes, and their foods vary depending on the region and availability of certain ingredients. Indian fry bread and Navajo tacos are quite popular and loved by children and adults alike. Succotash, another tasty dish, is made with vegetables and flavored with bacon.
Mealtime customs vary by region, but traditionally for many tribes, there was no set mealtime. Everyone just dipped into ‘the eternal cooking meal’ when they were hungry.
Greek. Pita gyros stuffed with chicken or pork, tomatoes, and lettuce are the most popular Greek foods. There’s also spinach-filled spanakopita, which is a great way to get children to eat their veggies. Or, try crispy and gooey Tyri saganaki – fried cheese – which everyone loves.
To eat like the Greeks, be prepared to adjust your meal schedule. They eat lunch at around 2 p.m. and don’t eat dinner before 9 p.m. Also, eating with your fingers rather than silverware is common, even with meat.
Irish. Shepherd’s pie is an all-time favorite Irish dish. But don’t let ‘pie’ fool you. It isn’t a dessert. Instead, it’s a tasty entree of beef or lamb, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Boxty (potato pancakes) is another Irish food children love, as well as, leek and potato soup.
Irish food customs include keeping your fork in your left hand, with the tines turned down. Also, keep your elbows off the table, and don’t get wild with hand gestures while holding your silverware.
Polish. Pierogis are one of the most famous Polish foods for children. These dumplings are stuffed with potatoes, sausage, or even fruit. Polskie nalesniki, or Polish pancakes, is another tasty dish served in a variety of ways, including with cheese, meat and vegetables, or fruity quark.
In Poland, you don’t begin eating until everyone is served and the host says it’s time to start, usually with the word ‘smacznego.’ Your fork goes in your left hand and knife in the right. When you’re done eating, your knife and fork should be placed horizontally on your plate, facing left.
Thai. Pad Thai is an introductory dish enjoyed by almost everyone. This sweet and savory noodle dish is made with peanut sauce. Gaeng daeng (red curry) is another delicious choice. Thai is the hottest (spicy-hot) cuisine you’ll find. So, you may want to request a mild version for your grandkids. For dessert, don’t miss out on sticky rice served with mango!
Thai people typically use a fork and a short spoon, rather than chopsticks, for eating. Each person gets a plate of rice. Then, all the other dishes on the table are shared among each other and poured over rice. Young children usually sit on their parents’ or grandparents’ laps and are spoon-fed rather than eating while sitting in high-chairs.
Spanish. Not to be confused with Mexican food, one of the dishes of Spain that children tend to like is paella, a rice and meat dish. Sometimes made with rabbit or squid, it can also be made with chicken or other seafood, which is much preferred by most children. Another yummy entree is empanadas, which are pockets filled with tuna or ham and cheese.
Late dining is also standard in Spain. Plan to eat lunch between 2 and 4 p.m. and dinner between 9 and 11 p.m. Also, Spaniards don’t eat and run. They sometimes linger for hours enjoying good company and conversation.
Cajun. This style of Louisiana cooking is well-known for its shellfish dishes and spice. Jambalaya, made with sausage, shellfish, celery, and rice stew, is one of several favorites. Another is gumbo, made with meat stew, seafood, and okra.
In Southern Louisiana, food is relished, and preparation is taken quite seriously. In fact, conversation about what you had to eat the night before is common.
Vietnamese. The most famous Vietnamese dish for both children and adults is pho. This noodle soup is made with beef or chicken. However, it’s much more substantive than the chicken soup Americans tend to eat. It’s usually served with fresh veggies on the side. Another yummy dish is banh goi. These deep-fried pockets are filled with meat, mushrooms, and other vegetables.
The Vietnamese typically eat with chopsticks and a soup spoon. As a sign of respect, a bowl and spoon are handed to the eldest man at the table first. Don’t begin eating until everyone is seated and the most senior man takes his first bite.