A Guide to Exploring International Cuisines with Kids

Toronto, my adopted home, is a fantastic place to raise a family, especially when it comes to food. As a Colombian immigrant, I've always been passionate about sharing my culture and heritage with my daughter, Sofia. What better way to do that than through the incredible tapestry of flavors that Toronto has to offer? Join me as I share my experiences and tips for introducing your kids to the wonderful world of international cuisines.

Toronto: A Culinary Launchpad

I remember the first time I took Sofia to Little Italy. The aromas of fresh pasta and simmering tomato sauce filled the air, and the lively chatter of the restaurants created a vibrant atmosphere. She was only five years old, but her eyes lit up with curiosity. We shared a simple Margherita pizza, and she was hooked! That day sparked a culinary adventure that has taken us through the bustling streets of Chinatown, the savory delights of Greektown, and beyond.

Toronto's multiculturalism is its greatest strength. It's a city where you can find authentic cuisine from every corner of the globe, often just a short subway ride away. This makes it incredibly easy to introduce your children to a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Whether it's slurping noodles in Chinatown, savoring souvlaki in Greektown, or indulging in empanadas at a Colombian bakery, Toronto offers a world of culinary exploration right at your doorstep.

Choosing Kid-Friendly Cuisines

When introducing international cuisines to children, it's best to start with options that are generally well-received. In my experience, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese cuisines are excellent starting points. These cuisines often feature familiar flavors and customizable options that appeal to young palates.

• Italian: Pizza Margherita, pasta with tomato sauce, and creamy risotto are usually a hit.


• Mexican: Quesadillas, tacos (with mild fillings), and guacamole with tortilla chips are fun and interactive.


• Japanese: Sushi rolls (especially California rolls), teriyaki chicken, and ramen are flavorful and visually appealing.

These cuisines offer a good balance of familiar and new flavors, making them less intimidating for children. Plus, they often allow for customization, so you can tailor the dishes to your child's preferences.

Tips for Introducing New Flavors

Getting kids to try new foods can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips that have worked for me:

• The 'One-Bite Rule': Encourage your child to try just one bite of a new dish. You might be surprised at how often they end up liking it!


• Repeated Exposure: Don't give up if they don't like it the first time. Repeated exposure to a new flavor can eventually lead to acceptance.


• Make it Fun: Themed dinner nights can be a great way to get kids excited about trying new foods. Let them help decorate the table and dress up in costumes.


• Cook Together: Involving children in the cooking process can increase their willingness to try new foods. Let them help with simple tasks like washing vegetables or stirring ingredients.


• Positive Mealtime Environment: Avoid forcing children to eat, and create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere at the table.

Remember, the goal is to make trying new foods a positive and enjoyable experience, not a battle of wills.

Making it an Educational Experience

Exploring international cuisines can be more than just a culinary adventure; it can also be an educational experience. Use mealtime as an opportunity to teach your children about different cultures and traditions.

• Discuss the History: Share stories about the history and origins of different dishes. Where did they come from? What are the traditional ingredients?


• Learn a Few Words: Try to learn a few words in the language associated with the cuisine. Even simple phrases like hello and thank you can add to the experience.


• Explore the Culture: Read books or watch videos about the country of origin. This can help your children understand the cultural context of the food they're eating.

For example, when we eat sushi, I tell Sofia about the history of sushi in Japan and teach her how to say thank you (arigato) in Japanese. These little details can make the experience more meaningful and memorable.

Adapting Dishes for Picky Eaters

Let's face it, most kids go through a picky eating phase. The good news is that there are ways to adapt international dishes to suit even the most discerning palates.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Start with mild spices and gradually increase the heat as your child's tolerance grows.


• Substitute Ingredients: Don't be afraid to substitute ingredients that your child doesn't like. For example, if they don't like onions, you can leave them out or substitute them with a milder vegetable.


• Deconstruct Dishes: Serve toppings separately so your child can choose what they want to include. This is especially helpful with dishes like tacos and salads.


• Involve Them in the Process: Let your child help with the cooking process. This can increase their willingness to try new foods.

Remember, it's all about finding creative ways to make the dishes more appealing to your child. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun!

Beyond Restaurants: Cooking at Home

While dining out is a great way to explore international cuisines, cooking at home can be even more rewarding. It allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the dishes to your family's preferences. Plus, it's a fun and educational activity that the whole family can enjoy.

There are countless resources available for finding kid-friendly international recipes. Cookbooks and websites are great places to start. Look for recipes that are simple to make and involve children in the process.

I still remember the time when Isabella, Sofia and I tried making arepas, a traditional Colombian dish, at home. Sofia and Isabella helped me knead the dough and shape the arepas. It was a messy but fun experience, and the arepas tasted delicious! It was a great way to connect with our heritage and create lasting memories.