SPAM® in Guam history and culture. SPAM®, the famous pink loaf in a blue square can found in kitchens around the world, has a particular place in the Guamanian household. Alongside, and maybe more so than, canned corned beef, SPAM® is probably the most versatile food item that people on Guam have handled, prepared and consistently consumed since its introduction to the Pacific islands in the mid-20th century.
CHamoru’s Love of Spam Read Post »
Our food choices. As with most communities, the necessity for food is interwoven with cultural and social needs. For the people of the Mariana Island, food is, and always has been, central to the cultural practices and traditions that have shaped daily life in the community.
Health Consequences of Modern Diets on Guam Read Post »
For most people in the Marianas today, getting something to eat is as easy as a trip to the grocery store or to a favorite restaurant. This is different from a century or even a few decades ago, when many families had their own ranches where they grew vegetables or fruit, or raised animals for their families to eat.
Ancient CHamoru Agricultural Practices Read Post »
In the Mariana Islands, as well as other islands throughout the Pacific, rice is considered one of the most important food staples. Bags of rice are shipped to the islands regularly. In the Marianas, rice is served at most every meal or special occasion.
Ancient CHamoru Use of Rice Read Post »
Cultural aspects of food. Humans require food in order to survive. People get their food from the natural environment through practices of food collection, farming, and the hunting or raising of animals. But food not only nourishes our bodies—food is culturally important, too.
Ancient CHamoru Food and Diet Read Post »
Meat, chicken and fish marinated and grilled. The popular ritual of modern-day CHamoru barbecuing (which is technically grilling) is relatively recent in Guam history.
This popular dessert item is a dark-colored baked cake that contains chocolate as the main flavoring ingredient. Often coated with sugar frosting or icing, the chocolate cake is presented as a sheet cake or a layered round cake, and decorated to suit the occasion.
Kek Chokulåti’: Chocolate Cake Read Post »
A spicy salad that is made with cucumbers, pickled radish (diago), kimchee base and vinegar.
Cucumber/Daigo Kimchee Salad Read Post »
A Filipino noodle dish with meat and vegetables.
Pancit: Filipino Noodle Dish Read Post »
A variation of the more well-known Mexican tamale, this CHamoru version is characterized by its distinctive half white-half orange coloration.
Tamales Gisu: Red and White Tamales Read Post »
