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Conflict Kitchen–Cultural Sensitivity and Taste Bud Training for my Kids

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Conflict Kitchen Storefront

Conflict Kitchen Storefront

There has been a nationwide buzz recently about Pittsburgh’s Conflict Kitchen, a take-out restaurant that serves food from countries with which the US is in conflict.  This innovative restaurant completely redefines itself twice yearly–changing its storefront decor, its name, and its menu to highlight a different country. Even its packaging is carefully crafted each time–their food wrappers contain excerpts of conversations with nationals about cultural aspects of the featured country. In this way, the restaurant hopes to expand the public’s knowledge and promote discussion. Currently it is serving Iranian/Persian food at its new location in Schenley Plaza in Oakland.

Iranian Conflict Kitchen

Iranian Conflict Kitchen

During our recent Adventure to the Lozziwurm at the Carnegie Museum of Art, my kids and I finished off a splendid morning by having a picnic in Schenley Plaza.  I decided it was the perfect opportunity to assess the kid-friendliness of Conflict Kitchen!  I was pleasantly surprised to find that they actually have a Kids Menu.  The Noon o Panir o Sabzi sounded like a pretty safe bet for most kids since it includes a hearty pita-style bread with cheese and walnuts.  I elected to order the Kabab-e-Kubideh for my little ones–a ground beef kabob served on pita bread.  All Kids Meals cost $5 and come with a drink and a halva, a rosewater confection with almond. Yum!

Kids meal includes a wrap, dessert, and a drink

Kids meal includes a wrap, dessert, and a drink

I thought the Kabab was really excellent with its complex Middle Eastern spicing, good quality meat, and thick pita bread wrapping (in fact–I’m craving one now!!).  I was however concerned that my kids would find the flavors too overwhelming.  Happily, they chomped it down and really seemed to enjoy it!  We relaxed in the beautiful spring sunshine and ate a leisurely lunch.  I even spent a little bit of time talking about Iran with my 3 year old. The prompts for this discussion came from the informative packaging that came with our meals!

Happy Picnicker!

Happy Picnicker!

I really enjoyed our trip to Conflict Kitchen and want my kids to continue eating there for years to come because a) the food was great b) I want them to develop a taste for different cuisines at a young age before they get too picky and c) I love what Conflict Kitchen stands for and want my kids to learn and believe that:

1) Curiousity about different cultures is a commendable thing.  I will nurture it in them forever, even if it means exploring the lifestyle of a country with which the US is in disagreement.  In fact, I will probably be more likely to bring them to Conflict Kitchen to expose them to these cultures because of the huge risk for negative bias and misunderstanding.

2) Opinions about people and nations should be formed carefully and critically.  It is vital to gather as much information as possible and it is NOT ok to base opinions purely on propaganda or general public opinion.  Conflict Kitchen helps by bringing another perspective to the table–a perspective that I will continue to share with my kids as they grow older.

3) Clearly an entire nation should not be judged by extremist political or religious movements.  I want my kids to learn that most people in Iran, or Venazuela, or Cuba, or Afghanistan are individually not so different from us.  The conversation excerpts on the packaging help communicate this perspective.

I have always believed that food is a tremendous tool for promoting positive relationships. I think it has the power to strengthen bonds, break down barriers, and, most importantly, promote discussion.  I commend you, Conflict Kitchen, on getting this conversation started!



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