Experiencing culture through food
When it comes to my previous travel, it’s quite hilarious to me that I have been able to vividly remember where I’ve been by what I’ve eaten, because… that’s how obsessed with food I really am!
I am so so privileged to have travelled throughout a large portion of Europe, South East Asia, UAE and Americas, having been exposed to different flavours of the world in the process.
In my opinion, there really is no better way to experience the culture of a country and its people than the likes of being packed into a local shack eating Vietnamese pancakes and pho sitting on a tiny stool in Ho Chi Minh city, tasting fresh Saganaki, grilled Octopus and Greek salad from a family run restaurant on Greek Island Paros OR eating fresh Fish Tacos and drinking Margaritas from a tiny costal shack in Honduras! Agh TAKE ME BACK!
What I find the most compelling when it comes to my experiences travelling and half of the reason why I feel like I’ve come to associate authentically experiencing culture through food, is because the people from each place take such pride in their local cuisine and better yet, sharing the best of the best with you!
I know the global pandemic has obviously thrown a massive spanner in the works when it comes to travel and what a timeline to some kind of normal global movement might look like… BUT, let this not dampen your mood, because it is my belief that you can STILL get a taste of a places culture by seeking out and cooking with ingredients that are unique to that country’s food!
For example, staples of a local cuisine are a great insight into history and can be used to experience a taste of a particular country or region when cooking. When I was travelling to San Sebastian, which is part of a region known as Basque Country in Spain, their local version of tapas, known as Pintxos, is the perfect flavour explosion in bite sized pieces. Typically, they are small pieces of bread topped with various ingredients from stuffed peppers, goats cheese to fried cod with garlic, olive oil and chilli. Creating your own & spearing the middle with a stick will transport you to a packed Pintxos bar in a bustling San Sebastian street. Oh what a treat!
Also, food and the way it is served can tell a story of a culture and the values of its people. For example, I was once told by a man in a small restaurant in the Plaka in Athens that the Greek have particularly strong ties to community. This is why their plates (Mezedes) are served as they are - smaller dishes designed to be shared among diners, eating and drinking together while creating great memories.
The evolution of a cuisine, often seen through the emergence of fusion restaurants in different countries, demonstrates how ingredients have been modified in recipes tied to a culture, to create new and exciting variations, when some ingredients may not be available. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, because it still gives a nod to the cultural origin.
With this in mind, don’t be afraid if you attempt to tackle a recipe from a particular cuisine and find yourself unable to locate one ingredient or another. There are a range of recipes online that will offer alternatives OR my recommendation, especially when it comes to Asian flavours, is to seek out your local Asian Grocer because trust me, they have EVERYYYYYTHING!
For example, peanut oil is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking (found at an Asian Grocer), Galangal - a type of ginger, is a common ingredient in Thai cooking (also found at an Asian grocer) - need I say more, the proof is in the pudding!
I guess what I’m trying to say is that there are SO many ways, despite physical travel restrictions, for us to replicate that Italian seaside Aperol and fresh seafood pasta or Vietnamese jungle Bahn Xeo and Tiger Beer… if we invest a little time into learning…. where to look when sourcing ingredients and how to cook with the love of the locals !
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing that quite replicates the experience of physical travel, food and culture and I cannot WAIT to be overseas again, but in the interim, immerse yourself in my advice for enjoying a taste of Cinque Terre to Chile !
