How to Enhance Dinnertime Conversations

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I like to think that I am pretty adventurous. I have never really minded trying new hobbies, adventures, or foods. My friend Lizzie is Vietnamese, and we became good friends over chats about food culture. I am entirely fascinated by food origins, history, and how people eat particular things. My friend has been exposing me to a great deal of Asian food. Since knowing her, I have experienced rice porridge, Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Korean BBQ, avocado smoothies, and many other excellent meals.

One new food that Lizzie introduced to me was the rambutan. I am not going to lie… when I saw a rambutan for the first time, I was scared. It looks like a sea urchin and an alien had a baby. My friend showed me how to eat the fruit, and then she said some magic words to me… “I can’t wait to hear what your kids think of the rambutans this evening.”

I was introduced to the rambutan on a typical Thursday. That evening, I had rushed to get everything checked off on my calendar and rejuvenate before waking up and repeating the same steps the next day.

Sean and I agreed long ago that no matter how busy we are, we will eat dinner at the table (although sometimes this means frozen chicken fingers and boxed mac and cheese). On this evening, Sean was grilling smash burgers (click here to see this fantastic recipe) with a side of potatoes. I decided to be bold and risky, so I went and pulled my new sea urchin-alien baby friends out of the fridge.

Jackson and Lucy about left the room when they saw the rambutans. They screamed and laughed. I received some crazy looks from Sean. Lucy asked me in astonishment if I really just ate that piece of fruit??? The neatest thing happened at that moment; our typical weeknight dinner became fun!

We will never forget the experience, and our family did not have to go anywhere or shell out loads of money to enjoy it. The kids petted the fruit, examined it, and tasted the rambutans. It was as if we were on an Asian culinary field trip in the middle of our dining room. However, the focus wasn’t just on the fruit; more importantly, it was on the dinnertime conversation and hilariousness that the food led us to experience.

Sean and I both believe that the way to truly educate both children and adults is through exposure. However, exposure doesn’t have to break the bank. In the case with the rambutans, it was completely free thanks to Lizzie, and we never left our dining room. You can find unique fruits like rambutans at the local grocer. You just have to be brave and bring them home. However, the reward you will reap with your family will be totally worth it.

Maybe you are pressed for money or time? That in no way means that you can’t expose your family and yourself to something new and exciting. Our dinner may have lasted 35 minutes, but it is 35 minutes that is etched in our minds forever.  

Are you taking a “staycation” this year? Imagine introducing new and exciting food each evening at the dinner table. If your family isn’t so keen on new foods, try these table topic cards. Not only will you create memories, but you will start precious dinnertime conversations among the ones you love the most.

Thanks to my friend, and our mutual love and appreciation for cultural foods, I now also have a new appreciation for ways to change up dinnertime routines. So give it a shot; I promise that you won’t be sorry.

Do you have an unusual food that your family loves? We would love to hear from you! Please drop us a line in the comment section below.

Looking for fun, family-centered ideas for travel? Check out 15 Budget-Friendly Destinations in Georgia and The Ultimate Guide for Trip Planning!