The Culture of Food

The Culture of Food

on left, chopsticks with seafood dish; in center, text The Culture of Food; on right, five spoons with different colored seasonings

Is there really a culture of food? Yes, food is a culture in itself. There could be generations of stories and traditions in the recipes, preparation methods, eating, and more. And the version of food at a restaurant in the USA is not usually the same recipe that you get in country.

In the USA, going out for a meal with others can be a casual event. You don’t think twice about how to eat with your friends and family. But what about meals in your host country?

In many countries, food is more than just nourishment. The preparation method could have meaning. Who you share it with could be significant. Even where you sit could say a lot. Food is an important part of connecting to people. Treat every meal with the Host Country National (HCN) in your host country as meaningful. Think of it as a part of the Peace Corps experience.

One Country, Multiple Cultures of Food

Each country has people from various cultures and beliefs. In almost every culture, food and dining has significant meaning. But there is no one standard set of food practices used by everyone across the entire country.

Food practices could vary from one ethnic group to another. One neighborhood or village could have very different practices from another. What is practiced in one neighborhood or village could be different in another. Take the time to learn the different cultures of food of your host country.

You may encounter many different races, ethnicities, and cultures within one host country. So don’t assume that everyone in the host country practice the same culture and traditions.

Learn the Cultural Seating Patterns

The culture of food extends beyond eating it. Is it your first visit? Before you sit down, watch where each HCN sit. In some cultures, there is a hierarchy in the order you are seated or who you sit next to. Or, there may be a priority in who sits in the “seat of honor”. In some instance, you might be the guest of honor. And in the next instance, it might not be you!

There could be favorite seats. Or, there could be a favorite person someone always to sit next to. In some households, there is a “head of the household” seat. And, guests sit in certain seats.

Watch and learn. Wait to be offered or gestured to a seat. Or, simply ask where you should sit.

Which Eating Utensils or None at All

In some host countries, HCNs use chopsticks. If you don’t know how to use chopsticks, make the effort to learn before arriving in-country. Ask for a pair with your next takeout. Or, buy a pair and practice.

When dining with your HCN host family, friends, or colleagues, watch what they do. Do not ask for a knife and fork if everyone is using chopsticks or their hands. Deviating from the culture could be insulting to your host and other HCNs. In certain cultures, using a knife and fork is barbaric. Imagine sawing and stabbing at your food! What does it mean if they eat with chopsticks but place a fork and knife in front of you? Nothing good.

If given a pair of wooden chopsticks, don’t rub them together in a fast violent manner. Quality chopsticks do not splinter. So publicly rubbing them together means you are publicly announcing they are poor quality chopsticks.

Try not to play with the eating utensils. Avoid using chopsticks as decoration or props. Don’t cross the chopsticks on top of the bowl. Definitely don’t stand the chopsticks up in a bowl or plate of food. Some of these gestures and activities reflect bad manners. But some are bad omens or even symbols of death.

In some cultures, the main utensils are your hands. This practice fosters a sense of community and social bonding. They may use some type of bread or edible item to scoop the food. Here, you pay attention to the proportion of bread to food. Which hand do you use for what activity? How much of the meat to take in one portion? Mimic how they scoop the food.

How to Eat the Food

When should you use your hands? Pay attention to how the HCNs eat their food. If eating with your hands, one hand may be designated for eating and another for cleaning. Since most people are right-handed, the right hand is traditionally used for scooping, mixing, and eating. The left hand cleans off the table, wipes the mouth, etc. Even if you are a leftie, you may be expected to follow the culture of using your right hand.

Is there a required method to prepare the food? Is it rude to take a drink with each bite? Does that dish represent a symbol of rebellion or defiance? Are you expected to drink alcohol? Wait until everyone had a chance at a dish before you take seconds. Take the time to understand the belief system of the HCNs that you are eating with.

You may be eating from one plate with all your food on it in front of you. Or, you may be eating “family style” where you are eating together from the same dishes. If sharing, only take a small portion to make sure everyone gets some. Are you expected to turn your chopsticks around to take food from the communal dishes and not use the end that you eat from?

You may have utensils or you may be using your hand. You may eat street food with your hands at the food cart but with utensils when eaten at home or in a restaurant. Try not to be awkward. Don’t wrinkle your nose or act shocked. Watch and learn. Then copy and enjoy.

Which Foods Have Meaning

You eat some foods for its taste. You may choose some foods based on its calories or nutrient value. And in certain cultures, some foods have specific meaning.

They may not eat certain foods due to their cultural beliefs or religions. Or, you can only eat certain foods during celebrations. And you can only eat some foods at funerals or other times of grief. Don’t mix these up.

Certain foods or colors could mean luck, wealth, or prosperity. So you need to eat a lot of those. With some foods or dishes, you may need to eat in a specific order. Eating in the wrong order could mean bad luck for the entire family or village.

And, these beliefs may change from one area to the next. So take the time to learn their meaning. And don’t act surprise or annoyed when learning something you don’t believe in or think is silly.

Appreciate the Flavors and Textures

Eat slowly. Taste the flavors in the food. Give it a try before you determine you don’t like it. Everything you like today was once new to you at some point.

In some cultures, the cook will denigrate themselves or their cooking in a show of humility. Even if you are used to heavily salted meals, try to appreciate the light salt approach in the HCN’s recipe. Avoid the urge to “correct” or “improve” the food in front of HCNs. Appreciating the food as-is demonstrates a respect to the recipe and the person who prepared it.

That meal might have cost the family a week of their food budget. The person who cooked it may be using a recipe passed down from generation to the next. It may have taken hours or even days to prepare that meal. Show you recognize their efforts. Appreciate the food.

Allergies and Preferences Within the Culture of Food

If there are foods that you do not eat or are allergic to, make sure to let the host know well in advance. Don’t wait until they spent several days preparing the fire pit to roast the pig only to find out that you are vegan.

Be specific about your allergies. Don’t use terms that could be confused for something else. If you are allergic to seafood, don’t say you are allergic to fish and then get mad when they serve you shrimp.

Don’t be obvious if you taste something and don’t like it. You can like or dislike it. But don’t make a spectacle of spitting it out. Avoid making a face. Keep it low key if you don’t like it. And, show that you enjoy it when you like it.

If there are foods you do not like, it is usually better to say that you are allergic to it or it makes you sick. They may not understand preferences. After all, how could anyone not like recipes handed down five generations? But they don’t want you to be sick.

Enjoy Your Host Country’s Culture of Food

Appreciate this experience of living in a different country. Learn to enjoy the food. Take the opportunity to experiment with the culture through food. The fast food or take out places in the United States rarely offer the same foods that you get in-country. Exploring food in-country is a rare experience. Take advantage of the cultural immersion opportunity and enjoy the culture of food.

If you have more tips to explore and appreciate the culture of food in country, share them!

 

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