Lunchbox

A collection of photos and stories from Asian-owned food businesses across North Carolina. Stories of business owners, Asians, Asian Americans, immigrants, parents, and siblings. Stories of how their past, present, and hopes for the future have shaped their relationship with their food and culture.

Keep scrolling to find the Author’s note, how to purchase our book, excerpts from the book, testimonials, and FAQs!

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Author’s Note

The “Lunchbox” moment — it’s almost like a rite of passage for Asian Americans.

You wake up at 6 a.m. on a school day to the sound of a sizzling pan and the chopping of vegetables. As you’re securing the velcro straps on your light-up sneakers, your mom hands you your lunchbox — still warm from the home-cooked meal she just made.

At noon, you grab your lunchbox from your cubby and race your friends to the cafeteria. Once you sit down, you eagerly open your lunchbox, excited to see what your mom made for you.

“Ew, what is that? What’s that smell?”

Your classmates snicker and pinch their noses.

Instead of filling your stomach with your mom’s delicious home-cooked meal, all you can stomach is shame and embarrassment. You don’t have the heart to tell your mom what happened, but you beg her to make a “normal” lunch — a PB&J and a box of apple juice — for the next day.

This is a story that many Asian Americans can relate to. The shame and guilt we feel toward our food — our culture — stays with us as we grow up. Over time, we learn what it takes to fit in with the crowd. Giving up dumplings for Uncrustables. Giving up the correct pronunciation of your name for the convenience of the substitute. Giving up the only language your grandparents speak for the one that will get you a job in America.

No matter who you are or where you are in life, growth and self-acceptance take time. This project is a love letter to all the little kids who grew up ashamed of their lunchboxes — and a celebration of the joy and strength that comes with embracing our culture.

"I think this is a fault of Asian parents [...] we don't say “I love you” directly. But instead, Asian parents will make a good breakfast, a good lunch, ask you if you’ve eaten." – Xiaoli, Taipei 101

"I sometimes dreamed that, ‘Why is it that I cannot hug my son in my dream?’ Then I wake up and realize it was a dream and he’s not around. When I look back at it now, it was worth the sacrifice." - Mack Libago, Oriental Store & Gifts (Filipino Express Restaurant)

"I have memories [as a child] where we would all drink outside and cook ... these restaurants show what we grew up eating." – Ji Woo, Seoul Garden

"We made a future together, to try to have a restaurant on our own. Before,
we would pass the island all the time, so [my husband] mentioned that the island should have a Thai restaurant on the beach. One day it came true." – Rachanee Wechamongkolgo — "We made a future together, to try to have a restaurant on our own. Before, we would pass the island all the time, so [my husband] mentioned that the island should have a Thai restaurant on the beach. One day it came true." – Rachanee Wechamongkolgom, Ida Thai Cuisine

Available on Amazon + Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

What People Are Saying

“I grew up going to the Oriental Store of Raleigh/ Filipino Express…we refer to it as “Tito Mack’s” it’s not just a normal grocery store, it’s almost like going to a family friend’s house. Having these pictures and stories immortalized in a book means the world.”

— Jasmin B.

“Meherwan [Irani] shared the book with me and WOW. We were both blown away with how well the book was done and the thoughtful touches put into every aspect.”

— Allison D.

[…] And at the end where you wrote that you dedicate this book to your family and your mom who woke up early every morning to make your lunch…I was in tears. For a daughter to show her gratitude like that is so touching.”

— Yukari F.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can purchase a copy of our book through Bookbaby (Hardcover), Bookbaby (Softcover), Amazon, or Barnes & Noble. Purchasing our book through the Bookbaby site supports us most directly, but feel free to use whichever site that best fits your needs!
Shipping costs will vary based on where you purchase your book. You can purchase our book from Bookbaby, Amazon, and/or Barnes & Noble.
Because Lunchbox is sold through third parties, all refund/return policies are based on the ecommerce site from which you made your original purchase.
Yes! Lunchbox is available worldwide through Amazon!
Currently, we are only selling our photo book but follow our Instagram for any updates on new products/merch that we may sell in the future!
As of now, we don’t have any events or projects in the works but follow our IG @lunchbox.nc for any updates!