Taste of Kent Taste of Community

Taste of Kent

Taste of Community

July 6th, 2023
September 16th 2023
October 12th, 2023

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.

Whether you are joining a culinary market tour to learn about spices and ingredients or allowing me to take you to dine at an authentic immigrant restaurant through this project – your experience is complimentary! My goal as a world-class chef is to share the diverse immigrant cuisine and cultures with you, often overlooked. Hence, together we may all be more grateful for the love of cultural cuisine handed down through Taste of Kent Taste of Community.

~ Christina Arokiasamy ~

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July 6th, 2023

On July 6th, a group of food lovers from Washington embarked on the complimentary Taste of Kent, Taste of Community tour, led by world class Chef Arokiasamy. The adventure began at Hong Kong Market, where participants were enthralled by a vibrant array of Southeast Asian produce and ingredients, discovering the secrets to becoming a versatile cook. The tour then touched their hearts with a heartwarming visit to the Tipitaka Burmese Monastery, where they respectfully offered rice and fruits to the Burmese monk.

Continuing the journey, the tour delved into Kent’s rich heritage at the Greater Kent Historical Society, with its 20th-century staged house and the inspiring Snohomish Indians’ Welcome Figure, forging a connection with the region’s past. A leisurely stroll through historic Smith Street followed, with participants admiring restored homes from the Second World War era. The tour ended at Grandma Thai Restaurant, where an authentic plate of Bangkok Pad Thai and refreshing Iced Tea awaited, tantalizing their taste buds.

The culinary journey touched hearts and celebrated diversity, and left participants yearning for more while gaining insight into another culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to join our next tour on September 16th, 2023 – a chance to savor the authentic flavors of immigrant cuisine and experience their rich culture in charming Kent, Washington.

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