Food as a Vessel of Culture and History

Dinner with friends, festivals like Christmas or Dashain, birthday celebrations: what do they all have in common? These celebrations with loved ones, happiness, and satisfaction are enjoyed around a base of food, which serves as a glue for people to build

Food is a necessity. It is critical to survival as well as a vessel to share love and culture. There are thousands of different dishes and cuisines around the world, all containing different spices, flavors, and ingredients. It is not just something people eat to survive; it helps them understand culture and plays a role in their identity. 

 

Food has been a crucial part of life since the very beginning. There is a blend of history and culture that can be shared through food. For instance, not only is Nepali food vibrant, flavorful, and delicious, but it also shows the rich and diverse history of Nepal, as well as the impact different geographical regions, different communities, and modern influences have had on Nepal and its cuisine. Nepal is a melting pot of cultures with influences from its Neighbours: China, India, and Tibet. These different cultures are ingrained into Nepali cuisine with dishes like Thakali, MoMos, pani puri, and so much more. Within Nepal, there lies variation between different regions and cultures which is shown through the diversity of the cuisine with foods from Newari to Thakali cuisines. Food can be representative of new innovations, and fusions. Fusion dishes like chicken chilly, a mix between Chinese and Nepali cuisine, show Chinese influence in Nepal. The use of modern appliances like blenders, and ovens helps create new dishes and further innovate the cuisine and cooking techniques. 

 

Even within each culture, types of food contain a rich history and is a reflection of the people who eat it. One Newari Stape, yomari, is known to have been created by a couple in Panchal who named it yomari after ‘ya’ which means to like, and ‘mari’ which means flatbread. According to thegundruk.com, Kubera (the god of wealth) was offered a yomari while disguised as a beggar. Since then, anyone who prepares yomari is believed to be blessed with wealth and prosperity. The story of yomari shows the deep link between Newari food and Hindu culture as well. 

 

Furthermore, recipes are passed down through generations and are part of one’s personal identity as It can bring nostalgia through deep-rooted memories. Personally, as a Newar living in Kathmandu, I will forever cherish my memories of eating haluwa swari after pujas, samay baji during festivals, and aloo tama with mutton curry and rice on Saturdays with my family. These personal memories also connect me to my family and my community. 

 

Similarly, my experiences trying different types of food have taught me new cultures. Eating etiquette, ways to view food, and ingredients used can show the history of the people as well as the region. While visiting Italy, I learned about the importance of long lunches in their culture and their coffee culture. Likewise, by eating Japanese food, I got to see the respect for ingredients and the priority placed on balance and harmony. It was an introduction to the country and its people. 

 

Food is the foundation of civilizations and society. It encapsulates the different cultures and can connect people to their heritage and each other. It is vital in understanding culture and identity. 

 

 

 

Work Cited

 

Prashanta. “The Story, and History, behind Yomari and Chaku - the Nepali Food Blog | TheGundruk.com.” The Nepali Food Blog | TheGundruk.com, 13 Aug. 2020, www.thegundruk.com/the-story-and-history-behind-yomari-and-chaku/. Accessed 11 June 2024.

Samir Khadka. “The Evolution of Nepali Cuisine: Ancient Traditions and Modern Innovations.” Kathmanducookingacademy.com, Samir Khadka, 11 Jan. 2024, www.kathmanducookingacademy.com/evolution-nepali-cuisine-traditions-innovations. Accessed 11 June 2024.

Brasier, Jason. “It All Comes back to the Plate: Food’s Role in Understanding Culture.” Insight Vacations, 31 Oct. 2022, www.insightvacations.com/blog/understanding-culture/. Accessed 11 June 2024.