Food and culture are linked inextricably

Each one of us is raised eating the food of our cultures, making it a part of who we are. Not only does it become associated with happiness and warm memories, it becomes what we seek throughout our lives in tough times as a means of comfort.

Food has cultural symbolism on a wide scale. ‘Culture’ refers to the collective effect of values, information, language, rituals, beliefs and customs of groups of people. As cuisine is passed down from one generation to the next, food becomes a cultural expression. So strong is the urge that food becomes the principal means by which immigrants preserve their culture when they move away from home. This is because, while their circumstances and geography change, the food continues to represent their history, lifestyle and beliefs.

Rituals and traditions are critical too to food. They vary – and hold different meanings –between cultures and regions. What we eat, how we prepare and serve it are all expressions of culture. For example, sesame laddoos are traditionally served in Maharashtra during the Makar Sankranti festival with an accompanying chant: “Til gul ghya aani godh godh bola.” (“Have a sesame sweet and speak sweet things.”)

In China, on the other hand, the effort is to achieve harmony – as in all aspects of life – in the flavours. Salt and spice as well as sour, sweet and bitter ingredients are used in a balanced manner. In addition, the Chinese place a lot of emphasis on aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the food looks as appealing as it tastes.

Many Muslim communities, meanwhile, gather in groups to eat from a large common plate – symbolic of a unified humanity devoid of any distinctions.

It is in these ways that we strengthen community and even national bonds. Our food practices shine a light on our fundamental beliefs about ourselves and others. It is connected to our heritage – whether it means a bowl of ramen in Japan or a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving in the US.

While food is often used to distinguish between cultural groups, we often overlook how it connects us. No matter which race, region or community you belong to, you eat. No matter what our differences are, it’s an act we all relate to. Food, therefore, other than serving as a cultural link also presents an opportunity to unite us.

When it becomes apparent that each family, anywhere in the world, is only looking to feed its children, it’s a shared purpose. It’s what you see across cultures, and can serve as a way to create understandings we have not yet been able to achieve. No wonder the act of creating peace is done with the ‘breaking of bread’.

For me, food has served all the purposes I have described – from the forging of family bonds to creating consensus in business to understanding others. Food has gone well beyond being a primal need. It’s symbolic of life itself.

Nothing satisfies me more than the simple meals I had when I was a child, reminding me of family, friends, places, warmth, sorrows and a culture that runs in the veins.