Dreamstime
America takes great pride in its cultural diversity. So why not give your kids the opportunity to experience the many cultures that make up our great country? Trying out new foods and exploring the mealtime customs of other nationalities or unique American regions is a fun way for kids and parents alike to learn about different cultures.
If your kids are picky eaters, don't sweat it. There are yummy foods from every culture kids will love. Have your kids try the following dishes typically found in ethnic eateries. If you can't find the cuisine in your area, look up recipes online, and have the whole family pitch in and cook together.
Middle-Eastern. There are many different Arab cuisines, but the most popular in America is Lebanese. The ever-popular hummus and pita bread is a healthy, mouth-watering appetizer. If you've only tried store-bought hummus, you're in for a real treat with fresh, authentic hummus. The most popular Lebanese meal is deliciously seasoned chicken shawarma, which you can order as a dinner or in a pita sandwich.
Indian. The food of India varies somewhat by region, but there are several Indian dishes kids love. 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 kids. A Northern India favorite is matter paneer, a curry dish made with peas and fried cubed cottage cheese in a tomato sauce.
Greek. Pita gyros stuffed with chicken or pork, tomatoes, and lettuce are the most popular Greek food. There's also spanakopita, which is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies; these turnovers are stuffed with spinach. Then there's crispy and gooey saganaki, fried cheese, which everyone loves.
Thai. Pad Thai is an introductory dish loved by 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 request mild for your kids. For dessert, don't miss out on the sticky rice served with mango.
Spanish. Not to be confused with Mexican food, one of the dishes that kids in Spain enjoy is paella, which is a rice and meat dish. It can be made with rabbit or squid, which some kids won't be keen on. But it can also be made with chicken or other seafood. Another yummy entree is empanadas, which are pockets filled with tuna or ham and cheese.
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.
Vietnamese. The most popular Vietnamese dish for both kids and adults is pho. This noodle soup is made with beef or chicken, but it's far more substantive than the chicken soup Americans 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.
A Taste of the World, Around Town
Memphis has no shortage of great places to eat, and when it comes to ethnic food, many are familiar with Mexican and Asian offerings, but there are some lesser-known cuisines to explore.
Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill
5800 Raleigh LaGrange Rd., Memphis
Tasty Mediterranean food, known for its hummus
Blue Nile Ethiopian Kitchen
1788 Madison Ave., Memphis
Traditional Ethiopian comfort food and healthy, vegetarian options
Cajun Catfish Company
336 New Byhalia Rd., Collierville
A unique dining experience combining Southern favorites and spicy Cajun cuisine
Casbah Restaurant
1890 N. Germantown Pkwy., Cordova
A Moroccan-inspired restaurant featuring Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean fare
Emerald Thai Restaurant
8950 U.S. 64, Lakeland
Tucked into a strip mall, serving tasty Thai favorites like tom yum soup and spicy stir-fry
Havana’s Pilon
143 Madison Ave., Memphis
A down-to-earth eatery serving old-school Cuban fare such as empanadas
Mama Gaia
1350 Concourse Ave., inside Crosstown Concourse
2144 Madison Ave., inside Ballet Memphis
A Greek-inspired menu offering organic and vegetarian options
Mayuri Indian Cuisine
6524 Quince Rd., Memphis
An all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant serving Northern and Southern Indian food
Phuong Long
306 N. Cleveland, Memphis
A Midtown restaurant serving Vietnamese classics