Whether you are a foodie or not (but really, who isn’t?), you will encounter food throughout your day. Food is not only a good way to bring people together across the world, but eating is the best way to learn about other cultures.
So whether you are on vacation in another country or you just want to try and get to know their culture, food is the way to go. If you do not fully understand why then let’s take a look at the more glaring reasons:
Every Dish Has a Story
It is not uncommon for people to tell stories of how certain dishes came to be in their culture. Regardless of whether these stories are true or not, you get a look at what value this dish may hold in their culture and what they believe the dish may mean.
If you are hearing stories about these dishes and their place in the culture, it is best to be able to taste them to know what these people are talking about.
How People Prepare Their Food Says a Lot about Them
How people of certain cultures prepare their food speaks a lot about them. For example, in India, most of their food is made from scratch for almost every meal. This says that they are hardworking and willing to make an effort for some food that they will be enjoying. It also suggests that each dish will have its own taste depending on how the person made them.
These nuances in different cultures will give you an insight into the people of that culture. It tells you more about them and how they live day-to-day.
Their Food and Ingredients Are Directly Tied to History
The kind of food and the ingredients a lot of people use in their cuisines are directly related to their history. For example, in the Philippines, you will find that a lot of their dishes are similar to that of Spanish cuisine—this is because the Philippines was once a colony of Spain.
What kind of food a country serves and eats daily shows much about their history and any influences that they may have affected the outcome of the cuisine of their countries. As you take a bite of their dishes, you are immersing yourself in the culture of that country.
Food Tells What Cultures Value
How people value things in their culture also means a lot of things—the same goes for their food. For example, some cultures may not eat cows while others butcher them for celebrations. There are more concepts like this which show what they value. It is the meaning behind these ideas that show a part of their culture, which you can learn about further.
Food Is a Part of Their Identity
When people talk about their home countries or towns, there is a strong chance that they will bring up food. We even label these foods specifically to these countries for example, “Thai food” is food from Thailand, while “Japanese food” is food from Japan.
This is because food is a great part of most people’s identities. It is a part of who they are and a good way to know them further.
Conclusion
If you want to learn more about other cultures, eating is the best way to learn about other cultures.. Cuisine is an integral part of our lives, and to eat is one of the best ways to live. Try dishes from other cultures and countries to learn more about them.
If you need a private chef in Charleston, you can use Food Fire + Knives to look for one. Our platform makes it easy to find any private chef within your area for any event at any time. Find the right fit private chef for you with Food Fire + Knives.
