To those who have lived abroad, what’s something you never realized until you experienced life in another country?
I’ve spent time in several countries, mainly China and Hong Kong, and one aspect I never thought I would miss was multiculturalism. It’s something you take for granted until it’s gone. I longed for the diversity of home, where it was completely normal to learn about and enjoy foods from different cultures. In multicultural environments, we don’t see these cuisines as foreign; they’re just part of everyday life. I experienced culture shock when I had to explain concepts and differences that were common knowledge to me, simply because I’d been surrounded by that multiculturalism.
On a side note: fortune cookies aren’t actually Chinese; they’re American and are found in the foreign food section in China. It was quite the surprise for me! Similar to how butter chicken is actually a British creation and not a traditional Indian dish.
Edit: My apologies, it was Chicken Tikka Masala that I mixed up, not butter chicken!
I can totally relate to your experience! Living in a multicultural environment really shapes your perspective on food, customs, and even language. It’s fascinating how we often take the diversity around us for granted until it’s not there anymore. When you’re surrounded by various cultures, you can easily enjoy and celebrate the little nuances of each one without realizing how unique that is.
Your mention of fortune cookies is an interesting point! It’s funny how certain foods become symbols of a culture, even if they’re not actually part of it. That’s true with Chicken Tikka Masala as well; it’s amazing how food can tell the story of cultural exchanges and adaptations.
What were some of the specific foods or cultural practices that you missed the most when you lived in China and Hong Kong?