UPCOMING FOOD TOURS
Food and Culture of Little India: Briyani, Tandoori and Sweets
July 27, 2024
Explore the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Little India on this culinary tour, where you’ll savor classic dishes like aromatic biryani, sizzling tandoori, and an array of traditional sweets. Dive deep into the culture and history behind each dish, making your dining experience a journey through the heart of Indian cuisine.
Exploring the Flavors and Culinary Culture of Louisiana Cajun in Kent
September 21, 2024
Join us on a captivating culinary journey in the charming town of Kent, Washington, where you’ll experience the warm hospitality and rich flavors of Cajun cuisine. Our professionally led food tour, will introduce you to the authentic tastes of New Orleans. Discover an impressive array of Cajun spice mixes and ingredients essential for recreating classic dishes like a traditional jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish boil and Etouffée. Come savor the vibrant flavors and cultural spirit of Cajun cuisine with us on this unforgettable taste adventure with gourment lunch.
Malaysian Culinary Masterclass with Chef Arokiasamy and Market Tour
November 16, 2024
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Malaysia with our unique cooking class, designed to explore the rich culinary heritage of a nation that was once at the heart of the 16th-century spice trade. Chef Christina Arokiasamy, a native of Malaysia, will guide you through using ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, coconut, and chilies, along with artisanal sauces to craft authentic Malaysian dishes. This class offers a hands-on experience that not only teaches you how to combine these ingredients to create bold and original flavors but also provides a deeper appreciation of the cultural fusion that defines Malaysian cuisine. Join us for a gourmet journey through the tastes and aromas that make Malaysian food a global destination.
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.
