What to Do When Classmates Mock My Child’s Cultural Food 

Parenting Perspective 

When children bring cultural food to school and are met with giggles, wrinkled noses, or comments about its smell or appearance, the hurt can be profound. That laughter often communicates, “You are different,” and for a child, that difference can feel like rejection. The goal is not to encourage them to hide their food, but to help them carry their culture with confidence, calmness, and dignity, showing pride without needing confrontation. 

Acknowledge Their Feelings First 

When your child says, “They laughed at my food,” it is important to resist quick reassurances like “Just ignore them.” Instead, slow down and acknowledge the hurt they are feeling. 

“That must have felt awful. Your lunch is a reminder of home, and they made fun of it.” 

Naming the pain validates their emotions and creates a safe space for healing before you guide them towards a stronger response. 

Reframe ‘Different’ as a Strength 

Explain that the teasing often comes from a place of unfamiliarity, not superiority. You can say: 

“Sometimes people mock what they do not understand. Being different does not mean something is wrong; it means it is special.” 

Children who learn to see their distinctiveness as a source of richness, rather than shame, carry a confidence that teasing cannot easily shake. 

Equip Them with Calm Responses 

Coach your child to use simple, steady replies that neither defend nor attack. 

• “It is called biryani, and my family loves it.” 

• “It is okay if you have not tried it before.” 

These short phrases can educate without inviting an argument. Encourage a relaxed and proud tone, not an apologetic one. If the mockery continues, a quiet boundary works best: 

“You do not have to like it, but please do not make fun of it.” 

This approach protects their dignity without escalating the situation. 

Connect Food with Family and Heritage 

At home, talk about the memories and values connected to these meals: the care that goes into the cooking, the family traditions, and the faith-based gratitude. 

“Every meal tells a story. Yours is a story of love, history, and flavour that others have not yet had the chance to discover.” 

When children understand the meaning behind their food, they feel a sense of connection instead of embarrassment. 

Partner with the School When Necessary 

If the teasing is persistent, inform the teacher in a respectful manner. 

“My child is proud of their cultural food, but some classmates have been mocking it. Could you help to encourage respect for different types of lunches in the classroom?” 

This can turn the issue into a learning moment about diversity for the entire class, rather than a matter of punishment. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours diversity as a sign of divine creativity. Our differences in language, culture, and tradition are meant to be recognised and respected, not mocked. Teaching your child to take pride in their food and heritage is an act of gratitude to Allah Almighty for His perfect and varied design of humanity. 

Diversity as a Divine Sign in the Noble Quran 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Rome (30), Verse 22: 

‘And amongst His Signs (of the infinite truth) are that He (Allah Almighty) created the layers of trans-universal existence and the Earth; and (designed) diversity of your languages and your (skin) colours; indeed, in this there are (logical and rational) Signs for those who are imbued with knowledge.’ 

This verse celebrates human diversity as a reflection of divine wisdom. When your child embraces their culture with confidence, they embody the spirit of this ayah, serving as living proof that difference is a mark of beauty, not a flaw. 

Respect for Food in Prophetic Teachings 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2033, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He does not eat who criticises the food, and he does not praise it excessively.’ 

This Hadith teaches the importance of balance and gratitude, urging us to eat with humility and never to insult food. It reminds children that mocking another person’s meal goes against prophetic manners, and that responding with calm gratitude reflects both faith and good character. 

When your child learns to respond to food-based teasing with calm pride, they transform embarrassment into quiet strength. They begin to see that carrying their culture is not something to hide, but something to be honoured. 

Over time, their composure may even teach others to approach differences with curiosity instead of mockery. Through your reassurance and faith-rooted pride, your child will walk into the lunchroom knowing that their food is a blessing, their culture is a gift, and their dignity is not up for debate.