In Hawaii, due to its multicultural make-up, various Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Philippine, Korea traditions are incorporated into New Year festivities, especially in the food. (^^) Great buffets!
It may seem strange but in Japan.......the following two are inseparable for Christmas.
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| Strawberry Shortcake (^^) |
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| Yup! A barrel of Colonel's finest! |
In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday so everyone works the Eve and Christmas Day. As long as I can remember (from 1950's when I was a kid) the strawberry shortcake was a given for Xmas. A really big treat back then! If you can imagine a country that was rebuilding from a devastating war, a simple cake was a super treat for the kids.
I do not know when KFC got into the act. It is now synonymous with Christmas. I would venture to speculate that perhaps the inability to roast a Turkey or bake a ham may have something to do with it.
American size ovens are still are rarity in average Japanese homes.
Yokohama, can you explain this phenomena for us? (^^)
Roushiichi Jen writes: I think we should begin the cultural immersion immediately. Jen wonders if there are any Hawaiian traditions that require SPAM? IF not she will have the KFC and strawberry shortcake for the sake of better international relationships on Christmas....
ReplyDeleteJen should try making the Okinawan dish called Goya Champuru. Its bitter melon, carrots, celery, Tofu, onions, bean sprouts and SPAM!
ReplyDeleteAll stirred fried together seaonsed with a dash of salt and pepper, chili peppers for those with cravings for spicy hot.
Spam Katsu in sweet soysauce is another great item. Ahhhhh, SPAM HEAVEN...