How to Introduce Ethnic Foods to Kids

Getting kids to try ethnic foods they are not familiar with can be a challenge, but it's a worthwhile endeavor as it is an opportunity to expand their palettes as well as their knowledge about other cultures around the world. The website Dr.Greene.com suggests encouraging your child to try a food at least once.

Instructions

    • 1

      Acquaint your child with food from other countries by reading books. For kids ages 5 and older, check out "Let's Eat: What Children Eat Around the World," by Beatrice Hollyer, which explores typical and special occasion foods that children in different cultures eat. For kids ages 9 and up, the book "Kids Around the World Cook!" by Arlette N. Braman, provides kids with interesting food facts about other cultures along with kid-friendly recipes.

    • 2

      Skip the burger chain and start going to ethnic restaurants more often with your child to get her used to menus with unfamiliar food items. Order the simplest ethnic foods with flavors you know she would like and be willing to try. Describe menu items to your child by comparing them to other foods she's familiar with. For example, at a Cuban restaurant you might explain that papas rellenas, or potato balls, are like meatballs covered with mashed potatoes and have been breaded and fried.

    • 3

      Eat dinner at the homes of friends from different cultural backgrounds when given the opportunity. Ask if you can bring your little one over, too. She may be more comfortable trying new foods from a trusted adult, especially if that person also has kids that are happily devouring the food.

    • 4

      Go to cultural festivals. Many cities offer a wide variety of public events to commemorate a special occasion or holiday of a certain country or culture. In addition to tasty foods, these family-friendly festivals often include music, dancing and other kinds of entertainment for kids. If your child is enjoying herself and seems excited about the experience, she may feel adventurous enough to try a new food item as well.

    • 5

      Make ethnic food together at home. Kids are always eager to try their own kitchen creations. Look for a cookbook with simple recipes from around the world that you and your child can make together. Choose items that won't take to long to prepare or cook. Make the meal more exciting by eating it in a traditional manner. For example, if you made miso soup and sushi rolls, you could set up a traditional Japanese floor setting, using throw pillows for seating around a low coffee table.

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