Part 7/9:
Immigrants’ Reactions to American Cuisine
Many immigrants were encountering American cuisine for the first time. There are charming anecdotes about their introductions to foods like bananas, ice cream, and oatmeal, foods that were foreign to their traditional diets. Some immigrants even participated in their first Thanksgiving celebrations at Ellis Island, bewildered yet delighted by the meal, which often included turkey, vegetables, and pies.
Cultural Adaptation Through Food
The importance of food as a vehicle of cultural exchange is apparent in immigrant experiences. Although many immigrants came from backgrounds where they faced hunger, the meals at Ellis Island often felt extravagant in comparison, symbolizing hope and a warm welcome into a new life.