'If you want to know Hmong food, you need to know our story. Our DNA is woven into the food we eat.' chefyiavang
, my first brick-and-mortar restaurant. It sounds really cheesy, like a Hallmark movie, but this is what I wanted all along.In 1983 my parents had a chance to leave the refugee camp. There wasn’t enough funding for the camp, and there were rumors of it closing. But my dad didn’t want to leave his army buddies behind. They finally did in 1988; at that point he had family so it was a different game.
My dad didn’t want to raise us like that, so we moved to Lancaster and lived with the Amish and the Mennonites. The worst thing we could do was hang out on a dairy farm. The real thug life, I tell people. Only now do I understand the depths of the sacrifices that my mom and dad made so I could have opportunities they could never dream of.
I have nothing against veganism, but what I learned in America is that the majority-white culture can be like, “Be yourself, but be yourself in a way that makes me feel comfortable.” That’s how I felt my whole life. In college I don’t think my friends meant it in a bad way, but they would tell me they didn’t see me as Hmong. But if I had acted traditionally Hmong, I wouldn’t have been there. They couldn’t see that I changed to meet them in the middle, and that’s why we were friends.
If you want to know Hmong food, you need to know our story. Our DNA is woven into the food we eat. But so often people don’t see that. When people look at us, especially Asians, they get a caricature. They don’t see our story. They don’t see our love and our loss. This is especially important given the recent anti-Asian rhetoric and violence. People need to know us not through their own preconceptions but through the food that’s close to our heart.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden says: Queen Elizabeth reminded me of my motherU.S. President Joe Biden said Britain's Queen Elizabeth reminded him of his mother and that she had asked about Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Read more »
Bernie Sanders reminds Americans tipped minimum wage has remained $2.13 an hour for 30 yearsDuring that same period, inflation caused the federal tipped minimum wage to lose almost half its value.
Read more »
Marinated Lentils with Lemony Broccolini and FetaRoasted lemony broccolini, lentils, and salty feta are doused in a spiced oil that’s even better on day two.
Read more »
Can I Cook It? Yes, You Clam! Pasta With Canned-Clam SauceSatisfy your clam cravings with this quick and flavorful pasta recipe.
Read more »
Korean Marinated Cucumbers: A Crunchy, Spicy Side That Steals the ShowThese marinated Korean cucumbers are tart, spicy, and just a touch sweet. You may not want dill pickles again.
Read more »