Every recipe has a story.
Every story deserves to be heard.
Portland is home to families who carry remarkable culinary traditions — dishes made for generations, recipes passed through memory, meals that hold entire cultures within them. The Cultural Cookbook Contest is THTF’s invitation to bring those stories into one shared collection.
“This isn’t about who cooks best. It’s about who has something meaningful to share. And in Portland, that’s everyone.”
We’re collecting recipes and the personal stories behind them from Portland-area families of all backgrounds. The result will be a published cookbook celebrating traditions from across our city — a living document of who we are and where we come from. Free to enter. Open to everyone.
Four simple steps
We’ve designed this to be as easy as possible — no writing experience needed, no professional cooking skills required.
Choose your recipe
Pick a dish that means something to you — a family staple, a holiday tradition, something your grandmother made, or a recipe from home that reminds you of belonging.
Tell us the story
Share 300–500 words about what this dish means. Where did it come from? Who taught you? What memory does it hold? You can write it, voice-record it, or we can help over the phone.
Submit your way
Online form, email, paper form, or phone — we accept submissions however works best for you. In-person help is available at our collection event for anyone who wants support.
See yourself in print
Published contributors receive a free digital copy of the cookbook, an invitation to the launch celebration, and a full-page feature. Your story, with your name on it.
Your submission, your way
A complete submission has four parts. Only the photo is optional — and everything else we can help you with if needed.
The Recipe
Recipe name, where it’s from, a list of ingredients, and step-by-step instructions. No special format required — however you normally write it down is fine.
Your Story
300–500 words about the cultural meaning, family history, or personal connection. We judge the meaning, not the writing. Your voice is what matters.
A Photo (optional)
A photo of the dish, your family making it, or anything that connects to the story. A phone camera photo is perfect — we love authentic images.
Publishing Consent
A simple one-page form confirming you own the recipe and give us permission to include it. We’ll send this when you submit — nothing complicated.
Submitting is accessible by design
We built multiple entry paths so language, technology, or writing ability are never a barrier.
- Online form (English and Spanish available)
- Email submission to info@humbletravelers.org
- Paper forms available at community partners and THTF events
- Phone or voice recording for oral storytelling traditions — call (503) 568-1435
- In-person help at our community collection event (date announced on our events page)
Every contributor is honored
This contest isn’t about competition — it’s about recognition. Every published recipe receives something meaningful. Cash prizes are a bonus on top of that.
Grand Prize
“Heart of the Cookbook” — the submission that best captures the spirit of community and cultural heritage. Two-page spread + 5 free digital and 5 print copies.
Category Winners × 3
One winner selected from each of three thematic categories. 3 free digital copies + 2 print copies + featured section placement in the cookbook.
All Published Contributors
1 free digital cookbook · 30% discount on print copies · Full-page feature · Launch party invitation · Digital contributor badge
Story first. Always.
We don’t taste test. We don’t judge writing skill or presentation. We ask one question: does this submission honor a real cultural story in a meaningful way?
Cultural Significance
How much does this dish mean to its culture or community? Does it carry heritage, tradition, or communal importance? Authenticity matters more than rarity.
Personal Story
The emotional connection and family history behind the dish. Judges evaluate the meaning, not the writing quality. A simple story told honestly scores higher than a polished one that feels distant.
Recipe Clarity
Can someone follow these instructions and make the dish? Complete ingredients, reasonable measurements, clear steps. It doesn’t need to read like a cookbook — it just needs to work.
Representation
Does this add a perspective or tradition not yet well-represented in the collection? We actively seek out cultures, regions, and food traditions from across Portland’s full community.