You probably know the section as the foreign foods isle. I also bet you’ve never gone down it. I can say that I never did either, that is until I became a foreigner.
What you may not realize is that there are two.
First there is the processed section. I’ve learn that TexMex exports very well from my country. I also understand why everyone in Europe things we eat Gigantic sized food. Over here you can find random american food, with America written in red, white and blue, but THEY LIE!
Our bread is not the size of a persons head, if you put sugar on popcorn it is called caramel corn and is something else (popcorn should have salt!), our brownies taste good, and those chocolate chip cookies are a disgrace.
I don’t take offense, after all you should see what passes as a baguette in the states.
What makes me sad is the second section. The fresh produce. When you go shopping it is this moment that you will realize you are an outsider. All the staple foods that you know and love, will be hidden away in a tiny out of the way corner. Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and corn.
Corn on the cob is such an elusive treat!
However there was moment that snuck up on me that really showed just how American I was, despite having lived abroad for 5 years at that point.
I had taken my children to one of their check-up and the doctor asked what cheeses I was giving the children. Then she started listing gourmet things like Camembert, and Brie.
I replied “I don’t give them cheese.”
The doctor in a surprised tone asked, “How do they get dairy?”
“Yogurt, and milk?”
That’s right in america we are milk drinkers and yogurt eaters! So when it came to my children it never occurred to me to give them cheese. In my mind it is still a gourmet treat meant for grown ups.
I might have failed my children in the cheese department. I made up for it with what considered “exotic and foreign” by French standards, since I gave them avocados, sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkin.
Some of the greatest adventures I’ve had involve food, and I love being able to try new things. However I am not sure that I will ever get use to corn and pumpkin being called exotic. When from my prospective they are basic.
Do you have a funny or interesting food adventure? Tell me in the comments below.
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I’m blown away at the foods you said were “exotic” on the continent. I absolutely would’ve expected that you’d have more selection than my local English stores — but I can grab cobs and sweet potatoes any time I like.
Culture expectations: exploded.
This is… just… I mean… I’m so sorry for you! 🌽
Hey, how does customer service in Belgium compare to the US? Because — oh boy — the US is a tough act to follow.
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Is it fresh corn on the cob? Normally I can find the precooked stuff okay, the fresh is another story they wrap it funny so it normally has mold :< I did a happy dance in the store this year when I found fresh cranberries!
I would say customer service in Belgium is really great. However I lived in France for 10 years so my expectations aren't that high anymore.
However I bought a car in France which would break down every 4-5 months. Taking it into the garage became my new normal. Then I moved to Belgium, and I took it in and they actually found the problem. It was a good thing too because the warranty was expiring and we didn't want to have to pay for fixing it.
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