Do you have a dish that reminds you of the flavors of your hometown? For me, it might be miso soup. But when you are far away from home, there are moments when you find yourself longing for the cuisine of your birthplace.
One cold winter day, I found myself in such a situation. I was a newcomer who barely knew the neighborhood, with few means of transportation. So, I decided to visit a sushi restaurant near my home—Shinju Sushi on 53rd Street in Hyde Park. And there on the menu, I discovered ramen. Perfect for a winter’s day.
The ramen, topped with fried dumplings, wasn’t quite the familiar taste I knew. Yet, I was grateful to have something warm to eat on a cold day.
Later I learned that many people tend to complain about the food of their own country when they eat it abroad. It made me realize that human beings are full of prejudice. And that stepping outside of one’s own field of vision is, in fact, a good thing.
