Every meal, every recipe, and every ingredient reflects where we come from and the culture we live in. Food is an expression of ethnicity and an individual’s origin. Not many people think about the traditions and backgrounds that can be found when looking into their favorite foods of family’s dishes. A lot can be learned from what a person eats or likes to cook. Even the most simple recipes can identify where you or your family is from, and the culture that encompasses it The strong connection between food and culture has the power to bring people from all walks of life together.
It’s more than what we eat, but how we eat it. Some people can recall the foods our families only made on the special occasions–the meals that took hours or even days to prepare. There are recipes that are passed down from generation to generation and are made to be shared with loved ones. This way of cooking and eating special recipes with loved ones greatly represents family and tradition. Certain foods have become cultural identities and an amazing way to preserve their culture from all corners of the world. These foods give people a sense of home and pride in their cultural background. With exquisite and exotic tastes, it’s easy to feel close to their ancestors through food.
In the Chinese culture, they greatly value harmony as a vital trait in life. Harmony is reflected in their culinary traditions as they use sour and salty with sweet and bitter flavors to skillfully balance every recipe. They also focus on the taste of their food just as much as the presentation of every dish. Their way of cooking represents how they are and what they value as a culture. The Mexican culture also puts their history and heritage into every meal they make. Their historical cuisine can be traced all the way back to the Mayan civilization. Every savory taste of their food reflects thousands of years of tradition and heritage.
Not only is food a delicious way to get people in touch with their own culture and traditions, but it also helps them get to know and explore a lot of new cultures. For thousands of years, every culture has explored another through food. Recipes have been shared and prepared for others to enjoy something new. One of the best ways to experience another culture is through their food. Even if it sounds different and maybe even a little wild, years of tradition and heritage in one dish are waiting to be tasted.