Sally Dasouki - Are You A Foodie? Time To Know How Food Defines Who You Are!

By Sally Dasouki

Out of the three basic necessity- Food, clothing and shelter, food takes the first spot which proves that it is the most important necessity of life. Abundance or lack of food decides the chance of our survival. But food is not just a biological need, it is culture! The way we eat, the way we engage in social activities while preparing food and the way we choose our meal define our personality as well as mood.

The ingredients, methods of preparation, preservation techniques, and types of food eaten at different meals vary among cultures. The areas in which families live— and where their ancestors originated—influence food likes and dislikes. These food preferences result in patterns of food choices within a cultural or regional group. In western countries box of chocolates would be called as an appropriate gift but may not be as appropriate in other countries. Italy is famous for pizza and pasta yet people there eat varied food depending on the region they live in. In US “meat and potatoes” are eaten together but it may not be preferred to be on regular basis.

Regional food habits also exist which keeps on changing time to time as people immigrate, food practices and preference are imported and exported. People use their old recipes, add on twists of other countries and make innovative dishes. Moreover, what is considered edible or even a delicacy in some parts of the world might be considered inedible in other parts. Although food is often selected with some attention to physical need, the values or beliefs a society attaches to potential food items define what families within a cultural group will eat.

Food traditions vary widely throughout the world. Even among people who share similar cultural backgrounds and some of the same food habits, eating patterns are not identical. Further, families vary from their own daily routines on holidays, when traveling, or when guests are present. Men eat differently from women. People of different age groups eat differently. However, in most parts of the world, food is associated with hospitality and expression of friendship. Therefore, sensitivity to food rules and customs is important in building and strengthening cross-cultural relationships.