The United States of Diaspora The history of America is a story of immigration, with lapping waves of hopeful newcomers bringing with them not only their dreams and aspirations, but also the flavors, aromas and recipes that defined the essence of their homelands. Common misconception might dictate that the immigrant enclaves which have formed (and continue to evolve) are solely found in big cities, but that’s far from the truth. Rich culinary diasporas have taken root and are thriving in some of the most unlikely places across the country. For the uninitiated, a culinary diaspora refers to the spread and preservation of a group’s culinary traditions and cuisine in different parts of the world as a result of migration. It emphasizes how food can become a crucial aspect of cultural identity and continuity for communities living away from their original homeland. Across the country in big cities and small towns, bustling cultural enclaves serve as living testaments to the resilience of culinary traditions in the face of assimilation. For these immigrants and their kin, food becomes a source of comfort beyond mere sustenance, a means of storytelling and a manifestation of identity. Whether you happen to be in Boise, New Orleans, Dearborn or New York City, there is a rich sense of community (and a cuisine) waiting to be discovered and acknowledged. | 