ABOUT US

CULTURE GENERATION 501(c)(3)

CULTURE GENERATION

Culture Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich culinary heritage of minority immigrant communities. Based in Kent, Washington, we believe that food is a powerful medium for cultural expression and connection. Our programs are designed to bridge cultural divides, support economic sustainability, and empower marginalized communities through the shared experience of food for generations to come.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, support economic sustainability, and bridge cultural divides through food tours and cooking classes that promote the culinary heritage of minority immigrant communities. We aim to create a community where culinary diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued and respected.

OUR VISION

Our vision is a world where culinary diversity is celebrated, cultural heritage is preserved, and everyone feels valued and respected. We strive to create a community where people from all backgrounds can come together to share and appreciate the rich, flavorful traditions of minority immigrant cuisines.

Contact Culture Generation – Book a Food Tour or Cooking Class

OUR IMPACT

Culture Generation’s initiatives significantly impact the community by empowering marginalized groups. We provide a platform for minority immigrant communities to showcase their culinary traditions and culture, enabling them to take pride in their heritage and create economic opportunities for small BIPOC-owned and minority immigrant grocery markets and restaurants.

Through our efforts, we strive to cultivate a community that values and respects culinary diversity, ensuring these cultural legacies are preserved and cherished for generations to come.

CULTURE GENERATION

Culture Generation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich culinary heritage of minority immigrant communities. Based in Kent, Washington, we believe that food is a powerful medium for cultural expression and connection. Our programs are designed to bridge cultural divides, support economic sustainability, and empower marginalized communities through the shared experience of food for generations to come.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to empower marginalized communities, support economic sustainability, and bridge cultural divides through food tours and cooking classes that promote the culinary heritage of minority immigrant communities. We aim to create a community where culinary diversity is celebrated and everyone feels valued and respected.

OUR VISION

Our vision is a world where culinary diversity is celebrated, cultural heritage is preserved, and everyone feels valued and respected. We strive to create a community where people from all backgrounds can come together to share and appreciate the rich, flavorful traditions of minority immigrant cuisines.

Contact Culture Generation – Book a Food Tour or Cooking Class

OUR IMPACT

Culture Generation’s initiatives significantly impact the community by empowering marginalized groups. We provide a platform for minority immigrant communities to showcase their culinary traditions and culture, enabling them to take pride in their heritage and create economic opportunities for small BIPOC-owned and minority immigrant grocery markets and restaurants.

Through our efforts, we strive to cultivate a community that values and respects culinary diversity, ensuring these cultural legacies are preserved and cherished for generations to come.

OUR PROGRAMS

CULTURAL FOOD TOURS

Kent Culinary Tourism serves as a cultural bridge, connecting people through the rich culinary traditions of BIPOC and immigrant communities. By sharing traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and cultural practices, we foster human connections and understanding. Located in one of the nation’s most diverse cities, our programs, led by Chef Arokiasamy and her experienced team, offer immersive experiences at immigrant-owned markets, food ceremonies, and BIPOC-owned restaurants. For over a decade, we’ve encouraged the public to “Know The People and Their Culture Through Food,” with a mission to establish Kent as a leading cultural culinary destination and a Global Culinary Melting Pot. Our goal is to attract visitors and boost the local economy through the “Kent Culinary Tourism” campaign.

CULTURAL FOOD TOURS

Kent Culinary Tourism serves as a cultural bridge, connecting people through the rich culinary traditions of BIPOC and immigrant communities. By sharing traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and cultural practices, we foster human connections and understanding. Located in one of the nation’s most diverse cities, our programs, led by Chef Arokiasamy and her experienced team, offer immersive experiences at immigrant-owned markets, food ceremonies, and BIPOC-owned restaurants. For over a decade, we’ve encouraged the public to “Know The People and Their Culture Through Food,” with a mission to establish Kent as a leading cultural culinary destination and a Global Culinary Melting Pot. Our goal is to attract visitors and boost the local economy through the “Kent Culinary Tourism” campaign.

COOKING CLASSES

The Cultural Kitchen serves as an educational hub that uplifts culinary expertise among BIPOC and immigrant cooks. This initiative empowers individuals to share their culinary traditions—whether drawn from personal experiences, family recipes, or cultural heritage—through public educational classes. Participants at The Cultural Kitchen not only hone their culinary skills but also gain essential knowledge in culinary arts, opening doors to future employment opportunities. 

The Cultural Kitchen is a vital force in fostering community unity, building connections through shared culinary experiences that honor diversity. By providing a platform for cross-cultural appreciation, the initiative enriches the community. Inclusivity is a cornerstone of The Cultural Kitchen; we actively involve people from diverse backgrounds in decision-making processes, ensuring our programs resonate with the community’s needs and aspirations.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

We offer a range of educational programs, including workshops, seminars, and community events. These initiatives aim to educate the public about the importance of culinary heritage, promote healthy eating habits, and support local ethnic businesses.

ABOUT FOUNDER

CHRISTINA AROKIASAMY

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Christina Arokiasamy, founder and Executive Director of Culture Generation, hails from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With over 25 years of culinary expertise, including roles as a chef at Four Seasons Resorts across Southeast Asia and Malaysia’s Food Ambassador to the United States, Christina is a celebrated cookbook author and spice expert.

She founded Culture Generation to celebrate and preserve the culinary heritage of minority immigrant communities through food tours, cooking classes, and educational programs. Her vision is to bridge cultural divides and empower marginalized communities, believing that food is a powerful medium for cultural expression and connection.

Why I Do This Work.

Christina Arokiasamy

In addition to my professional work, I am deeply committed to philanthropy through Culture Generation 501(c)(3). My passion is to promote BIPOC immigrant cuisine and culture, ensuring that the rich culinary traditions of diverse communities are celebrated, preserved, and shared. Through Culture Generation, I support immigrant food entrepreneurs, amplify their voices, and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange—because food is more than sustenance; it is history, identity, and a powerful bridge between cultures.”

BIO

Christina Arokiasamy is a renowned chef, spice expert, and award-winning cookbook author, celebrated for introducing Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisine to American audiences. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, she hails from a family of spice merchants with a rich heritage spanning five generations. Her early exposure to the vibrant world of spices ignited a lifelong passion for culinary arts.

Professional Journey:

Culinary Training and Career: Christina honed her culinary skills in esteemed establishments across Southeast Asia, notably serving as a chef at various Four Seasons Resorts. Her expertise encompasses a deep understanding of spices and traditional Malaysian cooking techniques.
 
Malaysia’s Food Ambassador: She holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s first official Food Ambassador to the United States, a role through which she has significantly elevated the profile of Malaysian cuisine on the international stage.

Contributions in the United States:

Culinary Education: Residing in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Kent, Washington, Christina operates The Tudor House Gourmet Cooking School. Here, she offers immersive cooking classes that delve into the rich culinary traditions of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bali, providing participants with hands-on experiences.

Authorship: Christina has authored notable cookbooks that have garnered critical acclaim:

The Spice Merchant’s Daughter (2008): This debut work received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was listed among the top ten cookbooks in the U.S. by NPR.

The Malaysian Kitchen: 150 Recipes for Simple Home Cooking (2017): This book was featured in People Magazine, The Seattle Times, and Publishers Weekly, and was recognized as one of Amazon’s Top 10 Cookbooks of 2017.

Media Presence:

Television Hosting: In collaboration with The Cooking Channel, Christina hosted  The Malaysian Kitchen,  a program that reached over 80 million viewers across the United States. The show aimed to showcase the exotic blend of flavors born from the spice trade and rich in tradition.

Media Features: Her culinary expertise has been highlighted in various esteemed platforms, including Oprah.com, Huffington Post, CBS, NBC News, The New York Times, and The Food Network Magazine.

Community Engagement:

Cultural Advocacy: Christina is deeply committed to preserving and promoting the culinary traditions of immigrant communities. Through her cooking classes and market tours in King County, Washington, she offers participants an insider experience into the vibrant world of immigrant cuisine, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.

Through her multifaceted career, Christina Arokiasamy has played a pivotal role in bringing the rich and diverse flavors of Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisine to the United States, enriching the American culinary landscape with her profound knowledge and passion.

Behind the Scenes

At iTishniki, we were honored to contribute to the Culture Generation project by designing their brochure, managing their website, handling hosting, and developing fresh content to enhance their digital presence. Founder in Kent, WA, iTishniki specializes in website design, SEO optimization, branding, and email marketing.

Leading iTishniki is Nick, a website design expert with over a decade of experience in crafting engaging digital experiences. Since starting his journey in 2013, he has combined technical skills with creativity to bring brands to life. When he’s not immersed in design and development, he enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife and three children.

ABOUT FOUNDER

Christina Arokiasamy - About Culture Generation – Empowering Communities Through Food

CHRISTINA AROKIASAMY

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Christina Arokiasamy, founder and Executive Director of Culture Generation, hails from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With over 25 years of culinary expertise, including roles as a chef at Four Seasons Resorts across Southeast Asia and Malaysia’s Food Ambassador to the United States, Christina is a celebrated cookbook author and spice expert.

She founded Culture Generation to celebrate and preserve the culinary heritage of minority immigrant communities through food tours, cooking classes, and educational programs. Her vision is to bridge cultural divides and empower marginalized communities, believing that food is a powerful medium for cultural expression and connection.

Behind the Scenes

At iTishniki, we were honored to contribute to the Culture Generation project by designing their brochure, managing their website, handling hosting, and developing fresh content to enhance their digital presence. Founder in Kent, WA, iTishniki specializes in website design, SEO optimization, branding, and email marketing.

Leading iTishniki is Nick, a website design expert with over a decade of experience in crafting engaging digital experiences. Since starting his journey in 2013, he has combined technical skills with creativity to bring brands to life. When he’s not immersed in design and development, he enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with his wife and three children.