Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is a celebration of
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Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The term AAPI includes people with origins from dozens of countries from the continent of Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Learn more at www.asianpacificheritage.gov. There are many ways to honor, learn about and dive into AAPI culture; admittedly, most of the ideas here have to do with food. But hey, food is a fun (and often adventurous) way to explore other cultures, and Asian food is some of the best on the planet in my opinion. So, there’s that!
Tapa cloth, typically made from mulberry or fig tree bark, can be found throughout the Pacific Islands from Hawaii to Fiji to Papua New Guinea. While “tapa” is the universally known term, it has different names on different islands: in Samoa, it is called siapo; in Hawaii, kapa; and in Fiji, masi. Our “Art with Alyssa” contributor provides instructions for this art project, inspired by traditional tapa cloths, at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids.
Visit
San Diego is no stranger to Asian cuisine. Sure, you can visit the Convoy District for dozens of great Asian restaurants, but a quick search on Eater San Diego or Yelp will reveal that there are many hot spots throughout the county. Along the same lines, if you’ve never visited an Asian grocery store, you’re really missing out on an educational and fascinating food adventure. Many also have bakeries and eateries inside where you can grab a quick (and delicious) bite. We recommend: • • • • •
H Mart, Mira Mesa Zion Market, Clairemont 99 Ranch Market, Clairemont Lucky Seafood, Mira Mesa Mitsuwa Marketplace, Kearny Mesa
38 • SanDiegofamily.com • May 2022
Make your own Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese spice blend) which is used to flavor udon noodles, rice dishes, soups, grilled meats, vegetables and more. In a food processor, pulse half a sheet of nori (dried seaweed) into fine flakes; combine with 1 tablespoon each granulated orange peel and ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons each dried minced garlic, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and flaky salt, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. For a quick taste, try sprinkling some on a bagel and cream cheese. This recipe provided by The RecipeA-Day Kids Cookbook by Maile Carpenter and the editors at Food Network Magazine.
Read
As you know, consistent exposure to children’s books that feature characters of various ethnicities helps develop acceptance and understanding of other cultures. As you continue to diversify your family’s bookshelves, be sure to include books with Asian characters. Asian Adventures A–Z by Yobe Qiu is a thrilling way to practice the alphabet while learning about various foods, traditions and cultures of Asian countries highlighted on each colorful page. The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury is the story 6-year-old Asiya, who loves to go through her grandmother’s big chest of quilts that tell stories of the women in her family. Beautifully illustrated by Lavanya Naidu.
Lisa Gipson
Indulge
Finish your AAPI celebration with a sweet treat from one of these popular dessert shops: SomiSomi, Mira Mesa & Kearny Mesa. Try the ahboong, fish-shaped Korean “cone” filled with soft serve. Iceskimo, Chula Vista, Kearny Mesa, Del Mar. Known for Taiwanese shaved snow. Bing Haus, Kearny Mesa. Try the Thai-style rolled ice cream or mochi donuts. MNGO Café, Kearny Mesa. Known for Japanese snow ice and mango deliciousness. Snoice, Spring Valley. Try the shaved snow or Filipino halo halo. Boba Bar and Desserts, Kearny Mesa. Try the puffles (puffy waffles) filled with frozen custard and toppings. 85°C Bakery, four SD County locations. Taiwanese breads and sweet treats such as berrytale, milk pudding, matcha choco bun and much more. Get more ideas in the full article at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/seasonalhappenings. v Lisa Gipson, managing editor at San Diego Family, can often be found eating at Kiin Extraordinary Thai at Del Mar’s Sky Deck or at Shank & Bône in North Park.
