Turkey vs. Hot Pot

What this episode covers

In this episode, Janice and Suzanne unpack the holiday food divide that says way more about growing up Chinese-Canadian than it probably should: Janice just wanted turkey, Suzanne's family was firmly team hot pot, and somehow both of them ended up carrying whole childhood identities through what showed up on the table. From Lunar New Year traditions and Chinatown memories to soggy sandwiches, fish eyes at school, and the awkwardness of explaining your food and culture to classmates who didn't quite get it, this conversation is funny, nostalgic, and surprisingly tender. It's an episode about the meals we loved, the lunches we hid, and the traditions that still feel worth passing on. Timestamps * 00:05 – Welcome back to Episode 2 * 00:22 – Turkey vs. hot pot: the holiday food debate begins * 04:15 – Lunar New Year dishes and favourite feast foods * 07:05 – Chinatown memories, night markets, performances, and lucky candy * 12:14 – Traditions today, sad Christmas dinner, and serious turkey leftovers * 15:37 – Dry ham sandwiches, soggy lunches, and the school lunch struggle * 18:49 – Salted fish, fish eyes, and lunchbox culture shock * 25:13 – What school did (or didn't) make space for * 31:32 – Passing on traditions, hot pot, and watching your eyes

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