We live in a world that has 196 countries and hundreds of regions with distinct cuisines. The world is a melting pot of so many cultures, ethnic backgrounds, different geographical terrains, climate, weather and the resulting agricultural produces, forest products, marine resources, livestock, nutrition requirement and so on.
We live in a world that has 196 countries and hundreds of regions with distinct cuisines. The world is a melting pot of so many cultures, ethnic backgrounds, different geographical terrains, climate, weather and the resulting agricultural produces, forest products, marine resources, livestock, nutrition requirement and so on. The scarcity as well as abundance of resources in a particular place depends on these and they in turn also dictate the cuisine of the region. The occupation of people, wealth and affordability also influence food habits. Cuisine also largely depends on the access to cooking techniques and amenities as well as type of oil used, fuel available, storage facilities, religious practices, eating customs and the associated rituals. Historical influences as a result of invasions, commercial link, being on the trade route and colonialization also tend to have a permanent impact on the cuisine of a place. Last but not the least the taste inherited from our ancestors seems to stay in the tongue genetically, and based on the same the cuisine of a place gets improvised with the help of newer technologies and amenities with time. All these shape the cuisine of a place making it unique and distinct from all others. The contiguity of regions with distinct cuisines of their own also lead to hybrids, thus enriching the world cuisine all the more. The best part is that the evolution of cuisines continues with introduction of newer ingredients and technology and this is great news for foodies like me who love to travel and explore delicacies around the world.
“The occupation of people, wealth and affordability also influence food habits. Cuisine also largely depends on the access to cooking techniques and amenities as well as type of oil used, fuel available, storage facilities, religious practices, eating customs and the associated rituals. Historical influences as a result of invasions, commercial link, being on the trade route and colonialization also tend to have a permanent impact on the cuisine of a place.”
The need of the hour
The world is in the middle of a pandemic and the scenario in India is far from being worry-free. The restrictions on travel, eating out and socialising has been there for a while, paralysing our lives. But the good side is that we are able to spend more time at home, doing things we never got the time to do otherwise. While travel itself is not possible, planning about future trips can go on and a virtual food tour of the world is exactly what food enthusiasts need now to cheer themselves up. That’s also how I am staying cheerful, drawing up a checklist of places I want to visit around the world when it is no more in shackles. It’s so important to stay optimistic in order to maintain the sanity of mind. All will be well soon, and when it indeed is, we all must be ready to set sail immediately.
I once again reiterate that’s it is important to stay at home, as far as possible, eat healthy, do regular exercises, get vaccinated at the first available opportunity, avoid social gatherings and travel for some more time, keep maintaining the Covid-19 protocols and take all necessary safety measures. Let us hope that the pandemic will soon be over and we will be able to get on with our normal lives again. As of now I feel so thankful for the services and dedication of the frontline warriors, volunteers for social work and other professionals and service providers who are toiling day in and day out to minimise the hardships the society as a whole is facing. I pray for their health and safety.