#66 - Breaking Asian Food Stereotypes

Shoes Off Inside with MKT (fka The May Lee Show)

From Chinese Chicken Feet to Filipino Balut (fertilized egg) to Indian Eri Polu (silk worm) Asian cuisine is as diverse as it is intriguing. Foods from Asia are steeped in tradition and for each culture, dishes represent identity, pride and comfort. But throughout time, Asian food has been stereotyped as “horrific”, “gross” and “disgusting” whereas cuisines of the west are, often times, revered and praised. It’s an example of “cultural chauvinism”. Recently, James Corden, host of “The Late Late Show” was called out for the “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts” segment, which would, at times, spotlight Asian dishes deemed as disgusting. Artist/activist Kim Saira decided to speak out against the segment and was met with both support and pushback, even death threats. She speaks to May about the experience. Also on the show, two Vietnamese American sisters are trying break Asian food stereotypes with their bold and rambunctious business “Omsom”. Kim and Vanessa Pham are making some serious noise not only with their delicious offerings, but they’re also on a mission to debunk the age-old MSG myth. Guarantee that by the end of this episode, you’ll be hungry and you’re in luck. Omsom is offering all listeners and viewers of “The May Lee Show a coupon for 10% off for a limited time. Go to Omsom.com and use MAYLEESHOW10.