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Korean students find American cuisine a "challenge" by Katie Luscombe
As if attending class in a foreign language is not hard enough, hundreds of international students must adapt to the eating styles of the average American. They must survive our Americanized versions of traditional food and that's not easy in a nation that practically lives and breathes meat, bread, cheese and grease. Chan Jaegal, 24, realized this when he arrived in the United States from Korea in January. “When I arrived here, it was hard to adjust. There is a lot of cheese with bread,” he said. Jaegal thinks that much American food is greasy and oily. For Wonshin Yoon, a 29 year-old Korean student, adjusting meant putting up with food that is almost always in huge portions, and again, greasier than its Korean counterpart. And it’s not just at McDonald’s either. “Actually, I like American style food,” she said. Yoon said she often ate American food before coming to MSU in May, so it made it a little easier to get used to the new cuisine. “[We have restaurants like] Outback, TGI Friday’s, Bennigan’s,” said Yoon. “Those kinds are popular among younger generations, but it’s a little expensive.” Koreans often use coupons or discount cards to offset the price, which is more expensive than in the U.S. Yoon said younger Koreans often like to go to these American chain restaurants for birthdays. And, yes, they still sing to you there. Though the menus are the same, Yoon believes that the dishes taste different on this side of the world and thinks that they might have different ingredients in Korea. “It’s more greasy and bigger here,” is a comment which seems to be a common theme. Yoon and Jaegal both agree that it is usually harder for males to adjust to the new eating habits. They are not sure why, exactly, but as Yoon said that men have a tendency to prefer traditional food. However, when the cravings hit, both students like to go out to get some tastes from home. “Every Sunday we go to Korean House or Charlie Kang,” Yoon said. “It is quite similar [to the Asian food I’m used to].” Luckily, MSU’s cafeterias try to cataer to students of all backgrounds, but it is much easier if you like to try new things sometimes. McDonel, as well as other cafeterias on campus, offer Asian, Mexican and Italian dishes and the menu changes often. McDonel also offers sushi as an option at their Totally Takeout. Yoon and Jaegal both like that they get a chance to experiment with different styles but have a hard time distinguishing what food actually qualifies as international and which is “American.” “Spaghetti?” she said. “That’s Italian. Dessert is more American—cake, ice cream and cookies.” Koreans don’t usually eat a lot of meat in the first place, Yoon and Jaegal said, but they were surprised how many students here choose not to eat it at all. “There is so much vegetarian food,” said Jaegal. However, Yoon explained that most Koreans are health-conscious, always emphasizing exercise and calorie intake. “We Koreans are obsessed,” she said, “Every woman is on a diet.” |
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