Advancing Equity with
Culture
Generation 501(c)(3)
Culture Generation is dedicated to supporting minority-owned immigrant food businesses and BIPOC entrepreneurs in Kent and SeaTac. These businesses are the heartbeat of our community, enriching both its cultural fabric and economic vitality. Through our programs, we bridge the gap between the general public and these often-overlooked culinary gems, celebrating their unique traditions and stories.
As a minority-led nonprofit, we actively work to dismantle systemic barriers by amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring their contributions are recognized, valued, and sustained. Supporting Culture Generation 501(c)(3) means investing in a future where every culture’s culinary heritage is embraced and empowered.
UPCOMING CULTURAL FOOD TOURS
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Savoring Nepal – A Culinary Journey Through Kathmandu
Saturday - November 1, 2025
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Step into the heart of Kathmandu, where every spice tells a story and every aroma carries centuries of Himalayan tradition. From the bustling spice stalls of India Village to the warm, smoky tandoor of Curry & Kabab, this journey reveals the soul of Nepalese, Bhutanese, and Tibetan flavors.
Begin your day surrounded by the colors and scents of ground turmeric, cardamom, and cumin — the building blocks of South Asian cuisine. Discover how these spices blend to create harmony in curries, rubs, and teas that awaken both memory and appetite.
Then, gather around the table for a chef-curated lunch inspired by the peaks and valleys of Nepal — tender tandoori chicken kissed by clay oven heat, rich dal makhani slow-cooked to perfection, and sweet Kashmiri naan adorned with nuts and saffron. End your journey with mango ice cream and a steaming cup of Nepali chai — the perfect close to an afternoon steeped in flavor, heritage, and connection.
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Flavors of Afghanistan: Weaving Culture into Cuisine
Saturday, December 6, 2025
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
At the crossroads of the Silk Roads, Afghanistan became a land where spices, ideas, and empires flowed freely through its mountain passes. That layered history lives on in Afghan cuisine, where flavor is built slowly, with care, and every dish carries the imprint of place. In Kent, Washington, home to a growing Afghan community or “Little Afghanistan,” these traditions thrive as part of daily life.
This journey begins in the shops and bakeries where Afghan cooks gather their essentials: green cardamom, cumin, and coriander waiting to be folded into fragrant pulao or stirred into broths.
Baskets brim with dried mulberries, apricot kernels, roasted chickpeas, green almonds, and walnuts as vivid as the bazaars of Kabul. Experience Afghan lunch using recipes passed down from mothers to daughters: Kabuli Pulao with spiced kebabs, Bolani Banjan, creamy eggplant with herbed yogurt sauce, steaming bowls of Aush noodle soup, delicate Ashak dumplings, warm Afghan bread, and more.
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Taste the Flavors of Southern Chinese Cuisine
Saturday - March 28, 2026
10 AM - 2 PM
Steeped in centuries-old traditions, Southern Chinese cooking is celebrated for its balance of flavors, refined techniques, and dishes that have stood the test of time. From delicate noodles to the freshest seafood, these dishes reflect a culture where food is both nourishment and art. In Kent, a beloved Southern Chinese restaurant has earned a loyal following—not only from locals but also from visitors who travel from Vancouver, BC, just to savor its authentic flavors.
Discover Kent’s hidden culinary treasures with this chef-led tour exploring the city’s vibrant Asian immigrant food scene. Step inside old bakeries, bustling noodle houses, and colorful vegetable stalls as if traveling through time, connecting with forgotten recipes lovingly passed down through generations of Southern Chinese cuisine.
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Cocina Latina – Journey Through Latin Markets and Flavors
Repeated By Popular Demand
Saturday – April 11 - 2026
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
It is to step into a world that is rustic and old, where flavors are coaxed slowly, and time is measured by the rhythm of mortar against stone. In the molcajete, chilies are ground, garlic is crushed, spices awaken, and sauces are born. This is the Zen of the Latin kitchen, a place of patience, labor, and the memory of mothers and abuelas.
Begin in a Latin cultural market, Start in a Latin cultural market, where Chef Eleazar Pavón shares his Oaxacan heritage and guides you through ingredients: guajillo, pasilla, and japonés chilies mingle with cumin, coriander, allspice, and canella that shape his cuisine and Chef Arokiasamy unveils the artistry of spice and molcajete where flavors awaken.
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Aromatic Trails – Indian Spice Market & Persian Cultural Lunch
Saturday - April 25, 2026
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Join Chef Christina Arokiasamy for an unforgettable journey into the bold flavors and timeless traditions of Indian and Persian cuisine.
The Little Spice Shop: Explore an aromatic paradise featuring turmeric, garam masala, cardamom, lentils, chutneys, and more. Learn expert tips on using and storing these essential ingredients.
This tour offers a deep dive into the ancient world of spices, flavors, and cultural storytelling. Reserve your spot today! Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm April 26th, 2025
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Savoring Nepal – A Culinary Journey Through Kathmandu
Repeated By Popular Demand
Saturday - May 30, 2026
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Step into the heart of Kathmandu, where every spice tells a story and every aroma carries centuries of Himalayan tradition. From the bustling spice stalls of India Village to the warm, smoky tandoor of Curry & Kabab, this journey reveals the soul of Nepalese, Bhutanese, and Tibetan flavors.
Begin your day surrounded by the colors and scents of ground turmeric, cardamom, and cumin — the building blocks of South Asian cuisine. Discover how these spices blend to create harmony in curries, rubs, and teas that awaken both memory and appetite.
Then, gather around the table for a chef-curated lunch inspired by the peaks and valleys of Nepal — tender tandoori chicken kissed by clay oven heat, rich dal makhani slow-cooked to perfection, and sweet Kashmiri naan adorned with nuts and saffron. End your journey with mango ice cream and a steaming cup of Nepali chai — the perfect close to an afternoon steeped in flavor, heritage, and connection.
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A Taste of Thailand – A journey Through Culture and Flavor
Repeated By Popular Demand
Saturday – June 6 & June 13, 2026
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Step into the heart of Thai culture through its food in an immersive culinary experience that reveals the stories, traditions, and flavors of Thailand.
The journey begins in Kent’s Thai market, where you’ll discover the vibrant ingredients that define Thai cooking — galangal, kaffir lime, tamarind, chilies, and fragrant herbs that create harmony between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Guided by chef and cultural ambassador Christina Arokiasamy, you’ll learn to recognize the delicate balance and artistry behind authentic Thai dishes. The experience culminates in a chef-prepared meal by a master from Kalasin, Thailand, who brings over three decades of culinary expertise to every dish — from aromatic soups and fresh salads to richly spiced curries and traditional desserts.
Taste, learn, and connect — as every bite becomes a step deeper into Thai foodways.
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Flavors of Afghanistan: Weaving Culture into Cuisine
Repeated By Popular Demand
July 11, 2026
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
At the crossroads of the Silk Roads, Afghanistan became a land where spices, ideas, and empires flowed freely through its mountain passes. That layered history lives on in Afghan cuisine, where flavor is built slowly, with care, and every dish carries the imprint of place. In Kent, Washington, home to a growing Afghan community or “Little Afghanistan,” these traditions thrive as part of daily life.
This journey begins in the shops and bakeries where Afghan cooks gather their essentials: green cardamom, cumin, and coriander waiting to be folded into fragrant pulao or stirred into broths.
Baskets brim with dried mulberries, apricot kernels, roasted chickpeas, green almonds, and walnuts as vivid as the bazaars of Kabul. Experience Afghan lunch using recipes passed down from mothers to daughters: Kabuli Pulao with spiced kebabs, Bolani Banjan, creamy eggplant with herbed yogurt sauce, steaming bowls of Aush noodle soup, delicate Ashak dumplings, warm Afghan bread, and more.
Past tours
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Cocina Latina – Journey Through Latin Markets and Flavors
Saturday - September 27, 2025
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
It is to step into a world that is rustic and old, where flavors are coaxed slowly, and time is measured by the rhythm of mortar against stone. In the molcajete, chilies are ground, garlic is crushed, spices awaken, and sauces are born. This is the Zen of the Latin kitchen, a place of patience, labor, and the memory of mothers and abuelas.
Begin in a Latin cultural market, Start in a Latin cultural market, where Chef Eleazar Pavón shares his Oaxacan heritage and guides you through ingredients: guajillo, pasilla, and japonés chilies mingle with cumin, coriander, allspice, and canella that shape his cuisine and Chef Arokiasamy unveils the artistry of spice and molcajete where flavors awaken.
Click To Expand
A Taste of Thailand – A journey Through Culture and Flavor
Saturday – July 26, 2025
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Step into the soul of Thai cuisine on a guided journey led by the chef through foundational flavors, layered spices, and centuries of culinary tradition.
The experience begins at a traditional Thai market, where you will explore the essential ingredients of Southeast Asian cooking: galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, tamarind, chilies, coconut, sauces, and rich curry pastes. Chef and cookbook author Christina Arokiasamy will teach you how to use these ingredients and the secrets behind the balanced flavors of Thai cuisine.
The journey continues to a chef-curated dining experience at a Thai restaurant in East Hill. The meal is prepared by one of the Pacific Northwest’s respected
chefs from Kalasin, Thailand, with over 30 years of experience in Thai cooking. He began his culinary path at just 14, and has trained chefs in Ghana, China, Mexico, and Laos. His menu reflects the richness of Thai cuisine, grounded in sweet, sour, salty, and spicy – the four essential pillars of Thai flavor.
Click To Expand
Aromatic Trails – Indian Spice Market & Persian Cultural Lunch
Saturday - April 26, 2025
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Join Chef Christina Arokiasamy for an unforgettable journey into the bold flavors and timeless traditions of Indian and Persian cuisine.
The Little Spice Shop: Explore an aromatic paradise featuring turmeric, garam masala, cardamom, lentils, chutneys, and more. Learn expert tips on using and storing these essential ingredients.
This tour offers a deep dive into the ancient world of spices, flavors, and cultural storytelling. Reserve your spot today! Saturday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm April 26th, 2025
Click to Expand
Cocina Latina – Journey Through Latin Markets and Flavors
Saturday - September 27, 2025
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
It is to step into a world that is rustic and old, where flavors are coaxed slowly, and time is measured by the rhythm of mortar against stone. In the molcajete, chilies are ground, garlic is crushed, spices awaken, and sauces are born. This is the Zen of the Latin kitchen, a place of patience, labor, and the memory of mothers and abuelas.
Begin in a Latin cultural market, Start in a Latin cultural market, where Chef Eleazar Pavón shares his Oaxacan heritage and guides you through ingredients: guajillo, pasilla, and japonés chilies mingle with cumin, coriander, allspice, and canella that shape his cuisine and Chef Arokiasamy unveils the artistry of spice and molcajete where flavors awaken.
Flavors of Afghanistan: Weaving Culture into Cuisine
Saturday, December 6, 2025
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
At the crossroads of the Silk Roads, Afghanistan became a land where spices, ideas, and empires flowed freely through its mountain passes. That layered history lives on in Afghan cuisine, where flavor is built slowly, with care, and every dish carries the imprint of place. In Kent, Washington, home to a growing Afghan community or “Little Afghanistan,” these traditions thrive as part of daily life.
This journey begins in the shops and bakeries where Afghan cooks gather their essentials: green cardamom, cumin, and coriander waiting to be folded into fragrant pulao or stirred into broths.
Baskets brim with dried mulberries, apricot kernels, roasted chickpeas, green almonds, and walnuts as vivid as the bazaars of Kabul. Experience Afghan lunch using recipes passed down from mothers to daughters: Kabuli Pulao with spiced kebabs, Bolani Banjan, creamy eggplant with herbed yogurt sauce, steaming bowls of Aush noodle soup, delicate Ashak dumplings, warm Afghan bread, and more.
A Southeast Asian Culinary Journey for All Your Senses
Saturday - March 28, 2026
11:30AM - 3PM
Discover Kent’s hidden culinary treasures with Taste of Kent: Taste of Community, a chef-led tour exploring the city’s vibrant immigrant food scene. Experience the traditions, stories, and recipes passed down through generations as you stroll through bustling Asian markets, fragrant Indian spice shops, and an inviting Filipino bakery.
The tour concludes with an authentic gourmet lunch at a mom-and-pop restaurant reminiscent of the lively food hubs of Bangkok. As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., Kent is home to a thriving immigrant community, where global flavors converge to create an unparalleled culinary landscape.
Reserve your spot today!
A Culture Immersion into Thai Foodways
Saturday - April 25, 2026
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
To taste Thai cuisine is to step into its culture. From the northern mountains to the southern coasts, flavors shift with the land, shaped by geography, history, and people. In Kent’s Thai market, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, tamarind, and chilies reveal this complexity, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
This program teaches how to experience authentic Thai food — to notice subtle differences and to see how cooking and eating become a way of knowing culture. The journey continues with an elaborate Thai lunch in East Hill, prepared by a chef from Kalasin with over 30 years of mastery. Guided by cookbook author and cultural ambassador Christina Arokiasamy, you will discover the cuisine and its stories.
Come hungry for food that is fragrantly spiced, deeply flavorful, and an authentic window into Thai culture.
A Taste of Thailand – A journey Through Culture and Flavor
Saturday - July 25, 2026
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Step into the soul of Thai cuisine on a guided journey led by the chef through foundational flavors, layered spices, and centuries of culinary tradition.
The experience begins at a traditional Thai market, where you will explore the essential ingredients of Southeast Asian cooking: galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, tamarind, chilies, coconut, sauces, and rich curry pastes. Chef and cookbook author Christina Arokiasamy will teach you how to use these ingredients and the secrets behind the balanced flavors of Thai cuisine.
The journey continues to a chef-curated dining experience at a Thai restaurant in East Hill. The meal is prepared by one of the Pacific Northwest’s respected
chefs from Kalasin, Thailand, with over 30 years of experience in Thai cooking. He began his culinary path at just 14, and has trained chefs in Ghana, China, Mexico, and Laos. His menu reflects the richness of Thai cuisine, grounded in sweet, sour, salty, and spicy – the four essential pillars of Thai flavor.
Savor Latin Flavors – A Quaint Latin Market Locals Love and a Venezuela Café
Saturday - October 10th, 2026
11:30AM - 3PM
Come immerse yourself inside a local favorite market, where bold spices, authentic ingredients, and cherished recipes celebrate Latin America’s rich food culture. Indulge in Venezuelan classics like arepas, savory plantains, and cassava, staples that have shaped its cuisine for generations. Inside the market you will learn about the chilies of Mexico, masa, and the variety of handmade tortillas.
Discover a hidden gem eatery serving tacos al pastor, pozole, and refreshing aguas frescas, zesty salsas, tamales, and desserts.
This tour offers an authentic taste of Venezuela and Mexico, connecting participants to the warmth and heritage of Latin cuisine. Reserve your spot today!
WELCOME TO THE TASTE OF KENT
OUR MISSION
At Culture Generation, our mission is to foster a deep connection, education, and engagement among the public with the rich and diverse cultural heritages of immigrant and minority communities in King County. We are committed to the preservation and promotion of these unique cultures through comprehensive heritage arts programs. By focusing on the culinary traditions that define these communities, we strive to ensure the continuity of food culture, celebrating and safeguarding it for future generations.
We believe that through understanding and appreciating the nuances of different cultures, we can cultivate a more inclusive and diverse society. Our programs are designed not just to educate but to inspire a sense of belonging and appreciation among all community members, thereby reinforcing the cultural identity and vitality of our immigrant and minority populations. In doing so, we aim to build a community tapestry that is rich in history and united in its diversity, ensuring that these cultural legacies are cherished and continued by succeeding generations.
I am excited to introduce you to Taste of Kent/Taste of Community, a project I hold close to my heart – which allows me to share with you the immigrant ethnic markets, bakeries, local spice shops and mom and pop restaurants in Kent, Washington.
Christina Arokiasamy
Kent, Washington is home to a vibrant and diverse immigrant community. Over a quarter of the city’s population is foreign-born, making Kent the top 10 most diverse cities in the nation. The Asian immigrant community in Kent is particularly large, with residents originating from countries like Vietnam, India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, and Korea. Kent is also home to immigrants from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Somalia, and Mexico.
When you come on a Taste of Kent culinary tour with me, you will discover new flavors, as many ethnic markets offer up specialty ingredients not usually found in mainstream grocery stores. The markets introduce you to new ingredients and help expand your cooking skills through exposure to different produce, herbs, spices, condiments, and ingredients that inspire creativity in the kitchen! It is community building while making you a diverse cook and a more informed global citizen.
Colorful spice shops in Kent that replicate the ones in India. Thai restaurants in Kent dish up Wok Fried Noodles that taste as authentic as the noodle dishes in Bangkok. Sit down to enjoy a bowl of delicious Pho Noodle soup as if you had traveled to Hanoi Vietnam and savor fresh breads and pastries cooked in traditional tandoor made with love by the Afghan community baker.
