PREVIOUS TOURS
MAY 25TH, 2023
The “Taste of Kent” project, led by Culture Generation a non profit 501 C 3 and Chef Arokiasamy, took a group of food enthusiasts on an enchanting culinary tour through the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets and restaurants in Kent, WA. Our journey included a sumptuous feast at Byblos Mediterranean Market on East Hill. We indulged when platters of whole roasted chicken glazed with honey and pomegranate sauce, tender lamb and chared beef kebabs seasoned with mehlab, flavorful chicken shawarma, freshly baked warm breads from open-fire ovens, fava bean pilaf, tabbouleh salad, creamy hummus, and an assortment of olives was set at the table.
The Persian Food Tour provided a bridge for the public to learn about the culture of immigrants from Persia, their way of life through cuisine. Culture Generation was able to obtain capacity for small Persian Food businesses in Kent and help them thrive in the community.
Join us for the next complimentary tour through The Orient. While the tour is free, a small donation of your generosity to help sustain these programs is appreciated.
Byblos Mediterranean Market
10460 SE 256th St, Kent, WA
Punjabi Bazar – the world of spices
A visit to a charming little spice shop owned by Jinder, where vibrant colors and exotic aromas beckon. Explore the world of turmeric, garam masala, tandoori masalas, lentil, pulses, chutneys, and teas. Each spice is ready to infuse your dishes with its rich flavors. Chef Arokiasamy shares insights on how to use these spices for flavor in your cooking and how to store them in your pantry.
Address: 24030 132nd Ave SE A, Kent, WA 98042
Phone: (253) 277-3098
Fortune Seafood Restaurant – Cantonese Chinese Cuisine
Fortune Seafood Restaurant in Kent is a minority women-owned establishment renowned for attracting Chinese diners from the greater Seattle area with its authentic flavors. Cantonese cuisine, often referred to as the “mother cuisine,” holds a prestigious place in China. Originating from the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province, Cantonese cooking became China’s first cosmopolitan cuisine in the 18th century through early trade with foreign merchants. As some of the first Chinese immigrants to America, Guangdong residents introduced this beloved cooking style to the United States. Today, we will savor the exquisite dishes of Cantonese cuisine.
Address: 23719 104th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98031
Phone: (253) 852-7360
JULY 6TH, 2023
On July 6th, a group of food lovers from Washington embarked on the complimentary Taste of Kent, Taste of Community tour, led by world class Chef Arokiasamy. The adventure began at Hong Kong Market, where participants were enthralled by a vibrant array of Southeast Asian produce and ingredients, discovering the secrets to becoming a versatile cook. The tour then touched their hearts with a heartwarming visit to the Tipitaka Burmese Monastery, where they respectfully offered rice and fruits to the Burmese monk.
Continuing the journey, the tour delved into Kent’s rich heritage at the Greater Kent Historical Society, with its 20th-century staged house and the inspiring Snohomish Indians’ Welcome Figure, forging a connection with the region’s past. A leisurely stroll through historic Smith Street followed, with participants admiring restored homes from the Second World War era. The tour ended at Grandma Thai Restaurant, where an authentic plate of Bangkok Pad Thai and refreshing Iced Tea awaited, tantalizing their taste buds.
The culinary journey touched hearts and celebrated diversity, and left participants yearning for more while gaining insight into another culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to join our next tour on September 16th, 2023 – a chance to savor the authentic flavors of immigrant cuisine and experience their rich culture in charming Kent, Washington.
SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2023
On September 16th, culinary enthusiasts gathered from across Washington and overseas to embark on an extraordinary journey, the Taste of Kent, Taste of Community tour, led by the renowned Chef Arokiasamy. This remarkable adventure commenced at the Greater Kent Historical Society, also known as the Kent Museum, where participants had the opportunity to explore a meticulously staged 20th-century house and the captivating Snohomish Indians’ Welcome Figure.
Kent Museum
Address: 855 E Smith St, Kent, WA 98030
Phone: (253) 854-4330
The tour then proceeded to the Hong Kong Market, where Chef Arokiasamy enlightened the participants about the vast array of rice, spices, sauces, and vegetables, the fundamental building blocks of an authentic Asian kitchen. The market, unassuming from the outside, revealed a treasure trove of fresh of condiments used in crafting the cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Hong Kong Market
Address: 320 E Meeker St, Kent, WA 98030
Phone: (253) 372-3738
The culminating stop of this captivating journey was the Thai Chili Restaurant, owned by the charismatic Nina Saisombut. Nestled in the heart of downtown Kent, this establishment is a beloved gem. Nina, not only a restaurateur but delights in sharing her heritage with others through traditional dances and music at local festivals. At the long communal table, beneath Chiangmai Umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, participants relished generous plates of Thai Noodles, forged new friendships. The experience left many yearning for another cultural excursion.
Thai Chili Restaurant
Address: 211 1st Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
Phone: (253) 850-5887
Don’t miss the opportunity to join our tours—a chance to savor the authentic flavors of immigrant cuisine, embrace the rich tapestry of our global culinary community, all set in the charming backdrop of Kent, Washington.
NOVEMBER 18TH, 2023
On November 18, 2023, The Taste of Kent Community Culinary Tour concluded its annual journey, spotlighting two distinctive establishments: the minority-owned Spice Market, also known as Punjabi Bazaar, and the delightful Afghan Cuisine Restaurant. Tobi, the gracious host at the Afghan Restaurant, treated participants to a remarkable array of authentic dishes. The menu featured delightful items such as creamy Eggplant Borani Banjan, Stuffed Bolani bread with Spiced Potatoes, Lamb Kebobs with pilau rice, Spiced Spinach with Warm Naan, and a cup of Chai with milk—a culinary extravaganza that left a lasting impression. Tobi, alongside other Afghan culinary experts, has been dedicatedly working to reshape the perception of Afghanistan in the West by introducing Afghan cuisine, particularly in Kent, Washington.
Afghan Cuisine
Address: 25684 104th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030
Phone: (253) 236-4452
The tour also included a visit to Punjab Bazaar, the charming spice shop owned by Jinder. Participants experienced warm hospitality as Jinder enthusiastically shared delightful sweets from his extensive collection of Indian treats. The day unfolded as a captivating journey of spice exploration, shedding light on the historical significance of spices along ancient trade routes connecting the East to the West. It showcased their continued relevance in modern kitchens, where culinary artists skillfully craft flavorful masterpieces.
Punjabi Bazar
Address: 24030 132nd Ave SE A, Kent, WA 98042
Phone: (253) 277-3098
For many attendees, establishments like Punjabi Bazaar, recognized for their cleanliness and organization, hold significant value, meeting the needs of those who incorporate spices into their daily cooking routines. Businesses like Punjabi Bazaar and Afghan Cuisine are pillars of cultural development within the community, providing opportunities for people to travel and explore other cultures. The Taste of Kent will resume new and exciting Culinary Heritage Tours in 2024.
PARTICIPANT REVIEWS
Jan & George Wilson Read MoreHi Christina, we want to thank you for the wonderful day of cultural enlightenment and lovely lunch you provided. George and I thoroughly enjoyed your tour and delicious lunch. You exposed us to so much that we never knew nor understood previously along with shopping opportunities and nice restaurant right here in Kent.We have registered for your June 29th Tour and look forward to other tours later if space is available once we better understand our personal schedule. Thanks again for sharing your expertise and time.
Regards,
Jan and George Wilson
June L Creson & Randy Knight Read More
We wanted to express our deep appreciation for your very creative and interesting tour of Kent’s cultural treasures. Each stop was informative and interesting and showed us many things we were unaware of. Having lived/worked in Kent for several decades prior, then moving away for the past 5 years, we were impressed by the culinary treats we experienced. Also, we had many food items unobtainable in our region and were overjoyed to purchase those items during our tour. I would highly recommend this to, not only visitors to the Kent area, but to those living there. Often there are hidden treasures under one’s own nose. Thanks for the reveal!
Rhonda B. Read More
Hi, Christina – and thank you again for such a wonderful tour and extended lunch for our group, it was fun and informative, and I feel very lucky to have participated. Personal thanks also for the autographed copy of the Malaysian Kitchen and the jar of curry powder. My husband’s eyes lit up when I brought those in last night, and I’m sure we will be picking our 4rst recipe to try as soon as I get back from my trip.Thanks for the experience and fabulous lunch (whose leftovers provided today’s lunch!).Take care!
Jeff Powell Read More
Christina,Thank you for an amazing day exploring Kent and all the amazing things you introduced us to—including stink beans! I’ve cc’d the rest of our group. We all had even more fun than we had thought we would and learned a ton. The work you’re doing is of immeasurable value. Thank you again!
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