Ethnic American food today: a cultural encyclopedia

This two-volume set describes the food culture of about 270 ethnic groups in the USA. Although informed by the food ways of other countries, the encyclopedia focuses primarily on the experiences of those living in the USA today. It begins with a short essay by editor Lucy Long on the interplay of food, culture, ethnicity and migration. It introduces and defines key terms and ideas used throughout the set, including “food”, “food culture”, “foodways” and “cuisine”.

The entries are arranged alphabetically by nation of origin, with a few entries for ethnic groups not affiliated with or not represented by the...