USC Students' Favorite Dishes from their Countries
By Camila Grases
So I got to talking to a few international students about what it’s like to be far away from home; for Los Angeles to be a foreign city as opposed to some of us who grew up here. Part of what is most inherent in people’s culture tends to be the food, something you may not even realize is fundamental to your daily life until you are thrown into a place entirely out of your comfort zone.
So what is it that these students miss the most, food-wise? The answer from every single one of them was “my mom’s cooking.” No doubt, your mother’s cooking holds a very special place in your heart. But what food exactly? Lets find out.
Slovenia - Shepherd’s Pie and Goulash
🇸🇮 According to our Slovenian, her mother likes to experiment with recipes on the internet. Together, they enjoy testing new ingredients and combinations to add to this classic and traditional dish. It is the student’s favorite because of the time that is spent in the kitchen and the reward after.
Saudi Arabia - Masoub
🇸🇦 A sweet and salty dish of flat bread and bananas. It is a favorite with this student because it is filling, vegan, and, most importantly, it is a dish that he often enjoys with his mom.
Hong Kong - Turnip Cake and Sweet Rice Cake
🇭🇰 These dishes are served during the Chinese New Year. The cakes, called Nian Gao 年糕 (which literally translates to “higher and better” in Cantonese) signify the best wishes given to each other during the celebration of the New Year. The recipes are different amongst many families and the cakes are generally given as a gift amongst relatives.
Romania - Sarmale
🇷🇴 This student chose this dish because of its flavor and fattiness. It consists of minced meat wrapped in the thin leaf of a pickled cabbage. Not only is this food a strong tradition in Romania, but the meal is as well, consisting of a soup, appetizer, main meal, and dessert. Of all the dishes, this was his favorite.
India (Bengali) - Luchi and Kasha Mangsho
🇮🇳 The dish consists of a mutton (Kasha Mangsho) served with a puff, round bread (Luchi). In a way, this dish is considered a Bengali comfort or home-cooked food. It reminds this student of getting together with family as it is a food that is typically served on occasions of coming together and spending time with the family.
Venezuela - Tequeños
🇻🇪 As for me, my favorite dish from Venezuela are the tequeños. They are a puffy dough filled with cheese and can either be baked or fried. This dish reminds me of my family and the good occasions they always represent: birthdays, weddings, and reunions. Whether we are fighting over them or cooking them together, they will always mean something good is happening.
A general pattern amongst all the people that I talked to was the ways in which these foods connect them to their families, no matter how far away they may be. Food is a time to come together, to interact and enjoy each other’s company. Food is a very special thing to remember.
What is your favorite food from home? Let us know!
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