Our mission is to provide resources and support for the local Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander American community, and increase the visibility and representation of the Asian American diaspora in Evanston’s civic, cultural and community spaces through the arts.
This year's Umbrella Box
is filled with a delicious
assortment of cookies and treats!
Thank you to our amazing bakers including:
Shimako Walker @shimakowalker, Elaine Darer,
Sheau-ming Ross, Ginger & Larry Leopoldo, Prabha Parameswaran, Erma @Tropicake!
What are the sayings and languages found on your story card?
Wishing others a good meal or as they say in French 'bon appétit' we offer similar wishes in languages from a few different Asian cultures.*
તમારા ભોજનનો આનંદ માણો
(Tamārā bhōjananō ānanda māṇō)
Gujarati
Masiyahan sa iyong pagkain
Filipino/Tagalog
请享用
(Qǐng xiǎngyòng)
Chinese
अपने भोजन का आनंद लें
(apane bhojan ka aanand len)
Hindi
E hauʻoli i kāu ʻai
Hawaiian
Selamat makan
Indonesian
お食事をお楽しみください
(O shokuji o o tanoshimi kudasai)
Japanese
Nikmati hidangan anda
Malay
맛있게 드세요
(mas-issge deuseyo)
Korean
உணவை இரசித்து உண்ணுங்கள்
(Uṇavai iracittu uṇṇuṅkaḷ)
Tamil
Ăn ngon miệng nhé
Vietnamese
Thān h̄ı̂ xr̀xy
Thai
រីករាយជាមួយអាហាររបស់អ្នក
(rikreay cheamuoy ahar robsa anak)
Khmer
ਆਪਣੇ ਖਾਣੇ ਦਾ ਆਨੰਦ ਮਾਣੋ
(Āpaṇē khāṇē dā ānada māṇō)
Punjabi
ເຊີນແຊບ
(soen aesb)
Lao
Txaus siab rau koj noj mov
Hmong
Some of the treats you'll find in your Umbrella Box:
Strawberry Milkflake Crisp
Furikake Granola
Ube Crinkle Cookie
Red Bean Moon Cake
Buko Pandan Biscotti
Mochi Brownie
Chinese Almond Cookie
Ube Butter Cookie
Indian Boondi Snack
Sesame Cookie
Garam Masala-Chocolate Cookie
Shichimi Togarashi Japanese 7-Spice Cookie
Coconut Macaroon
Gochujang Caramel Cookie
Ginger, Cardamom, Matcha Cookies
Sakura/Matcha Butter Cookie (good fortune)
Please note that we do our best to ensure that each box contains as many of the above treats as we can include!
Read some of the origins and stories about the flavors, spices, ingredients and regions that we love...
 PANDANDid you know that Pandan is sometimes referred to as the "Asian vanilla?" The plant's leaves are widely used in Filipino cooking but can also be found in Malaysian, Singaporean and Vietnamese cooking as well. Check out the Eater read on "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pandan." |  FURIKAKEWhat is Furikake? The word itself is Japanese meaning "sprinkle" and was created as a rice seasoning. Read about it's origins, ingredients and many different uses. |  UBEUbe is a purple yam that has its origins in the Philippines. It's been a staple of Filipino cooking for over 400 years, but it's just recently gained popularity in the States. Ube is known for its signature vibrant purple color and mild sweet flavor. Read more about ube. |  MATCHAMatcha is green tea powder that originated in 7th century China. Matcha tea practice was brought to Japan by a Japanese Buddhist Monk named Eisai where it is now synonymous with Japanese culture. |
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Sakura ~ Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossoms are known in Japan as sakura. The blooming of the cherry blossom trees symbolizes human life, transience and nobleness. The Japanese celebrate the cherry blossoms trees during the limited flowering period, which is usually for one week during the year. Many people celebrate by holding ‘flower watching’ parties known as "hanami."
Sakura have strong ties to Japan’s history, culture and identity. They embody the philosophy of wabi-sabi, impermanence, hope and renewal and are one of Japan’s most iconic symbols. Learn more about sakura here!
Garam Masala
Garam Masala is a blend of ground spices originating in India. It literally translates to "warm spices" and can often be found in Indian, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi cuisines.
The typical spices found in garam masala are: fennel, bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, cardamom, cumin, coriander and chili powder. There are some variations depending on the region and food preparation.
Read more about garam masala here!