UNDERSTANDING CULTURE THROUGH FOOD
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Food contains so much more than what we are able to see, in order to explore and get to know about it, you need to look through it. When you do that there is so much more to see than some ordinary food lying on a plate. Food is a magnetic source that brings friends and family closer. It creates connection and builds stringer relationships. Food is a way of expressing culture and identity. There is so much to explore with food, its unbelievable!
Food is both, art and history; people connect to their culture and ethnic groups through food. Immigrants use food as a way to retain their cultural identities. Different people from different cultures and backgrounds eat different foods.
I believe tasting food is an educational way to learn about the history as it holds onto the roots of historical events and culture of a specific destination. And there is not a better way and place to learn about this than over a good meal.
The posts in my blog are to highlight cuisine and how food is able to educate us and make us better global citizens that understand and accept other cultures and other people of the world.
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The restaurant reviews in my blog contain a cultural section where I talk about the origin and culture of the food and what it teaches us.
cultures in dubai
Living in Dubai, you come across a variety of different cultures as Dubai is diversified. Dubai is a place where people from all over the world, different backgrounds, different beliefs and different cultures come together. By living in a place that has all of this you gain a lot of new knowledge and communicate with different people, making you more open minded.
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In Dubai we open to many cultures; we get to know more about them through the people, places and mainly through the food.This place is known for it's food, we have the best restaurants over here. Learning about culture through food is one of the best ways to learn for me personally. There are so many interesting facts and information about the cultures when you explore it through food.
That is what I will do in my blog and you guys can learn from it too!
FOOD AND CULTURE
Cultures & Food
EMIRATI FOOD AND CULTURE
The term 'Emirati' refers to those who hold the nationality of the United Arab Emirates. UAE is a recently developed country that holds onto a very interesting past. As years go by UAE becomes more modern and more developed, however the Emirati culture and traditions stays with in them and are still followed.
Emirati food and culture is quite different in comparison to other countries.
Emirati cuisine is a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Due to the harsh weather conditions in the UAE they use a lot of meat, cereals and dairy in their food. Meats that are traditionally used are chicken. Camels are used too but they reserve them for special occasions.
One thing about Emirati culture that is very different to other cultures it the way they greet and meet one another. You notice that Emirati men meet each other by touching their noses. This is the traditional way of meeting amongst Emirati men and it only takes place between two men, usually both from the UAE.
PAKISTANI FOOD AND CULTURE
The title, 'Pakistani' is given to the people who hold the nationality of Pakistan.
Pakistani food has a major influence of the region of islam.
Pakistani food is known to have a wide variety of different spices. Curry and spices are an essential part of any Pakistani food recipes. The most common species include; chili powder, tumeric, garlic,black and red pepper, cumin seed, bay leaf and saffron. Because a lot of spices are used in the main dish, the side dish would usually be rice.
Food is a way of celebrating in Pakistan for any event or celebration. Eating sweets is very common and they are distributed in almost any celebration, from the birth of a new baby to a wedding.
The main thing about Pakistani culture is that it is traditionally conservative and traditional, compared to other cultures. Main things that it is known for is the poetry, literature, hand crafted items, food and mixed culture. Pakistani culture is fairly mixed and the reason behind is that it is influenced by so many other cultures.
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CHINESE FOOD AND CULTURE
'Chinese' is referred to anyone who is from China and holds the nationality.
China holds one of the most interesting cultures in the world and one of the best cuisines. Chinese food is famous all over the world.
In the Chinese culture they pay great amount of attention to manners and etiquettes. China has it's own dining culture and etiquette, which foreign people may find quite different from what they're used to.
The food in China is very popular all over the world and is adapted to fit into many other cultures. Chinese people love to eat. Chinese food has a distinctive culinary style of its own.
The traditional style of eating in China is different compared to how we eat. Using chopsticks is the most common style of eating in China. China is the hometown of chopsticks. The culture of chopsticks has a long history in China. The nationals of China say that there is a so much to learn about the history and culture of China through food and that is why there are so many eating practices in China.
ITALIAN FOOD AND CULTURE
'Italian' is any person with the nationality of Italy. Italian culture is all about arts, family, architecture, music and mainly food.
Italians say that food defines them, as it belongs to their history and culture.
Italian cuisine is well-known all over the world and is enjoyed by almost everyone! Italian cuisine has influenced food culture around the world and is viewed as a form of art by many. Wine, cheese and pasta are important ingredients in Italian dish. For Italians food isn't just nourishment, it is a way of life. All their traditional events are often based around food.
Every authentic Italian dish, even the most simplest one, comes from a different background and has roots in the past and traditions that go with it. Every dish has it's own story to tell.
One of the most important part of Italian culture is that they are narrow-minded when it comes to eating food, they always prefer eating the same local, traditional food.
MEXIAN FOOD AND CULTURE
'Mexicans' are the nationals of Mexico. The culture of Mexico has tremendously transformed over the past few years and now it varies throughout the country. Mexico consist of several ethnic groups, meaning every part of Mexico is different than the other.
Mexican food is based on your income level and social class, and you eat foods according to that. Corn is the basis of Mexican diet, as it has been there for years. It is present in almost any meal.
The traditional Mexican style of eating is quite similar to the eating style of Spain. Portion sizes and meal times in Mexico are different than our usual style. Not only are there eating styles and patterns different, but their diet is also unusual. Mexicans tend to follow a traditional diet consisting of healthy foods that are rich in taste..
Other than food, Mexico is also known for its art, literature, clothing and traditional celebrations.
TURKISH FOOD AND CULTURE
'Turkish', is the term given to a person who hold Turkey's nationality.
The Turkish cuisine is known to be one of the most appetizing and rich cuisines of the world, and Turkish people are known to be quite passionate about their traditional food. According to culinary experts, Turkish cuisine is amongst one of the top three. The reason behind this is because it links back to the history of Turkey. The Turkish art of cooking has a deep-rooted past.
In Turkey people love eating and inviting guests over to eat with them. It is a main part of their culture and tradition to invite people over for a typical Turkish meal at home, that is like a feast.
Turkish food tends to be spicy, oily and with many sauces. In turkey, culturally, special dishes are eaten at special occasions and holy days. Traditionally, the people Turkey prefer eating food at home, rather than going out for a meal.
A main part of their culture is when guest comes over, he must be fed; this is a requirement of Turkish hospitality.
INDIAN FOOD AND CULTURE
'Indians', the people that come from India. India's culture is amongst the worlds oldest histories. It was the first and supreme culture. The food, culture and traditions have been shaped by its long history, unique geography, and greatly influenced by the rulers, travelers and neighbors.
Food plays an important role in Indian culture and in their everyday lives. In india food is a way of socialize, getting together with family, friends and relatives, it is not only for eating.
India is very well known for the Indian cuisine. Indian cuisine has been influenced by many other countries. The cuisine is known for its large amount of dishes and the use of herbs and spices. The cooking style in India is different in each region. Rich curries and spices are used generously in Indian cooking.
Something different about Indian traditions is that food is usually eaten with fingers or with bread.
AMERICAN FOOD AND CULTURE
'Americans' are the nationals of the United States Of America. The United States is a rich and varied blend of people,. culture and regions. This diversity is reflected on its cuisine. Immigrant drive in Usa bring their own culinary traditions and adapt it to the American cuisine, making it more diversified. The traditional American cuisine has gradually emerged over time. American cuisine has influenced many cuisines in the world.
Although Americans may have a diversified cuisine their cultural background and habits are still the same. There are certain foods in America that are only supposed to be eaten at certain occasions and celebrations. For example, the thanksgiving holiday. This is America's biggest and most favorite holiday. For this celebrations, traditionally their main course is turkey.
JAPANESE FOOD AND CULTURE
When it comes to food, the Japanese are among the most enthusiastic and passionate of any other race. For this reason many of Japans towns and cities are known for its food. Rice is Japans traditional dish and has been the staple food for the Japanese for over 2,000 years. Japan takes a pride in its sea food as it is known all over the world.
The Japanese cuisine has been influenced by the food custom of other nations, but has adapted them and refined them to create their own cuisine.
Traditionally, rice and noodles are two staples of Japanese food. In Japanese culture, a meal is more than just eating; it's socializing and communicating. Japanese food culture contributes to the physical wellbeing, the symbolic and daily pleasure of the country. It plays a major role in their culture and is a main part of their country.