Written By Milee Jain (Grade 8)
“Food is our common ground and a universal experience” – James beard.
Food, glorious food! The lyrics echo in my mind as I sit to write this. No longer a source of sustenance but rather encompassing a much broader aspect of our lives – Food has gained a very high pedestal and is here to stay.
Not that it was shunned in the previous eras, in fact it was highly cherished, recipes were guarded, wars were waged. But it wasnt so much as spoken of or written about. Now with the advent of social media, the reach of food and new culinary experiences is fast and close to you. With a touch of fingertip, we get new recipes, we feast our eyes on gorgeous photography and we embark on cuisines of far off lands with such ease.
In my view, food is something that everyone can bond over, it is our common ground. It is also something which enhances your surroundings and your aura. Spending time on a serene and sunny beach listening to the wave’s rhythm break and womb, won’t be as memorable with your favourite snack to scrumptiously munch on.
Having its own diversity and variety, food can be indigenous as well as inspired. There are numerous cuisines around the world and every single one has its own uniqueness and taste. For me food can change your mood wherever you are. Food also changes with respect to its surroundings and what the environment is. For example, a sandwich and a packet of chips is a classic for a picnic whereas a fine dine may romanticise of exotic superfoods and foreign ingredients.
The glue that brings and holds people together over a shared experience is our daily bread. Some of my favourite moments that include food are the ones that are shared amongst friends and family. Even when we aren’t eating, sharing recipes and talking about favourite meals, there is something that brings us all closer together.
Food enhances our experiences and creates unforgettable memories.
Traveling around the world and trying out at regional ethnic cuisines is one of my favourite things to do. Be it South African Babootie or momos in Ladakh or puchkas on the streets of Kolkata or the iconic pizzas of New york city – my memories of the place are always linked with food!
Like they say, you don’t need a silver fork to eat good food – all that you need is some real pure unadulterated food and love 🙂
Featured Image Courtesy – Wikipedia