When traveling around the world or going to a unknown spot in your town, eating local food is a fantastic way to learn about a culture and people. My favorite way to understand a country, culture or person better is by sitting down and having a common meal with the locals. People everywhere have amazing stories, insightful, beautiful ideas and welcoming hearts to guests who are willing to share their local cuisine. People take great pride in their cooking culture and when guests are open-minded about trying new food people’s hearts seem to open up.
Eating is such a personal and intimate experience that all humans share. The acts of harvesting, cooking, cutting and slicing are common culinary practices all over the world, no matter what color your skin is or what colors are on your flag. If we, as people, can share one common quality it is that we love to eat, drink and laugh. Unfortunately, we do not all share the same tastes in food but this does not have to limit our level of intimacies. Differences in culinary culture is one of the aspects of human culture that is so very exciting and full of variety. These varieties are so vast and, at times, so very scary. But I believe that if you try to experience another culture’s food and a local man or woman’s favorite dish, you will be filled with more understanding, tolerance and love.
But I am afraid….
Most people are afraid of unusual or unfamiliar food but it is the most efficient, effective and tasty way to learn about a new culture. When trying new food in a new culture just realize that people eat that food in front of you every day or week. What is unusual to you is not unusual to them. A steroid-induced meat conglomeration that is a hot dog is much scarier to them, than pig’s feet stew, fried octopus or suckling pig. To be open-minded and willing to share a hard-cooked and hard-earned meal with someone is a memorable and heartfelt moment. When we travel, learn, and open our minds to the new and release the ideas of the old we change our very being.
Many times I have been in situations where my morals, ethics and values were tested. At the dinner table I have had to make decision that many would consider vulgar, awkward, unethical, maybe even evil, but I must say I learned so much more after those experiences than before. At the dinner table camaraderie is built and worlds are brought together. If you ever feel discomfort, peer pressure or unethical stay true to your principles, but do not withdraw from trying a new dish and experience out of fear. Push through your fear so you can share a new meal, a new smile and a new bond with another human being.
When in Rome…eat like a local! is a post from: EARTH EXCURSION