International

Diwali, or Deepavali, the Festival of Lights

Also called Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a 5-day holiday that is celebrated in India, Nepal, Singapore, and around the world! Diwali literally means “to light in a straight path or row” and is derived from the Sanskrit words “deepa,” meaning “to illuminate” and “aa-vali,” which means “in a row.” The name of the festival is quite literal, and this is evident in Diwali’s most famous and popular tradition, the lighting of lamps and candles.

Your Guide to the Regional Cuisines of India

Historians believe that people arrived in India over 55,000 years ago, making India one of the oldest human civilizations in the world. This long history, combined with the fact that India currently has a population of over 1.2 billion, means that India is home to a huge diversity of language, food, and culture! The various cuisines of India can be largely separated into four areas: North, South, East, and West. Keep reading to learn about the unique (and delicious!) foods from each of these regions!

Mid-Autumn Festival

Traditionally observed at the end of the harvest season, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a Chinese holiday that is celebrated to honor the moon and the harvest. Also called the Harvest Moon Festival, the holiday is the second most important festival in China and is a time for family reunions. It’s been celebrated for over 1,000 years, though some believe it is as old as 3,000 years. Either way, it’s an ancient holiday that has been observed for countless generations and has great meaning to those who celebrate.

Your Guide to the Cincinnati Oktoberfest Season

It’s that time of the year again! Summer is coming to a close (even though it’s still miserably hot outside), and it’s time for a new era of 2019! If you’re a Cincinnati native, you’re probably well aware of the season that is now upon us. It’s time for Oktoberfest, the wonderful Cincinnatian German-American mash-up that glorifies beer-drinking, exalts the humble Cincinnati mettwurst to sky-high adulation, and compels normally boring adults to run amok with chickens and weiner dogs perched upon their heads!

Barbecuing Around the World

Barbecue is an American staple, but cultures around the world have their own ways of cooking a great cut of meat. The one thing they have in common? They’re all delicious! This summer, add an international flair to your summer cookouts and learn more about international barbecuing styles with Discoveries at the Jungle Barbecue.

A tandoor is a tall, cylindrical clay oven that is used throughout the Middle East,

Get Egg-cited for Spring with a Jungle Jim’s Egg Hunt

Quail eggs are tiny white eggs with brown speckles that are full of important nutrients. Interestingly, these eggs have a larger yolk and a smaller egg white, which gives them more flavor. Some describe the flavor of quail eggs as “gamey,” but most people like the taste. As with anything, it’s important to consume quail eggs in moderation because the larger yolk-to-white ratio does mean that they are slightly higher in cholesterol than chicken eggs.

So, You Think You Know Wasabi? Think Again!

So, you think you know wasabi? Most wasabi paste you see on the shelves isn’t even wasabi at all. In fact, you’d be lucky to find more than 1% of real wasabi powder in the ingredients. Most of what we consume in the U.S. is a green horseradish paste meant to mimic the bite of real wasabi.

True wasabi comes from a leafy, green plant that requires full shade and an abundance of water.

What Kind of Jungle Jim’s Shopper Are You?

It is said that the zodiac year in which you are born can predict your character traits, temperament, and compatibility with others. So, what does it say about your shopping habits? We’ve had some fun coming up with our best predictions for what kind of Jungle Jim’s shopper you are (or will be!) based on your zodiac sign!

According to legend, the Jade Emperor needed to choose 12 animals to serve as his palace guards.

Vietnamese Milk Coffee

If you’ve ever tried Vietnamese coffee, called cà phê sữa, the mere mention of this delicately-crafted, decadent drink will likely induce an immediate, mouth-watering craving. The drink is unforgettable. The subtle sweetness, the indulgent creaminess, and the intense, yet smooth, flavor of the coffee blend together to create an exquisite, unparalleled drink. Once you try Vietnamese-style milk coffee, you’ll probably never want to go back. 

For Discoveries at the Jungle Vietnam, we’ve delved deep into the world of cà phê sữa and we’re excited to share our discoveries with you!

5 Reasons to Start Eating Chocolate-Covered Bugs

For many centuries, farmers were united against one merciless enemy: the insect. Tiny beasts that, when left unchecked, could completely undermine seasons of hard farm work and send families into starvation. It’s no wonder, then, why many modern-day Americans are opposed to eating insects. As the mortal enemy of our agrarian ancestors, insects instill in us an abject fear and disgust that we simply have not been able to shake. However, Americans and Europeans are in the minority when compared to the rest of the world.