Does the Food describe the different Countries?

Question

eg. Japan-Sushi-Exotic&Erotic? England-Fish&Chips in Newspaper-Boring and Rubbish?

Answer 1

Not really, for example:  India and Pakistan have similar foods but are 2 totally different countries.  Sometimes food can describe the culture of a country but not the country itself.

Many countries share the same foods:  empanadas, tamales, arroz con pollo, kebabs, curries, pulaos, naans, samosas.....

Answer 2

elements do,

like fast food =

Answer 3

I can tell you the effort put into the preparation of food and certain dishes truly does reflect the character of a nation.

Won't name names, but in countries where food is generally so-so, people tend to be laid-back or resigned etc.

Food also reflects on the quality of life I believe. More varied foods make for a balanced diet and healthier people living longer lives.

I went to Iceland and what strikes you their (apart from the cold) is the beauty of their people. Something about them, they seem to "glow", be "radiant" like some during pregnancy. I discussed this with an Icelandic friend of mine, and he believes that it's down to the high amounts of fish they eat. Fat acids, high protein et voila!

Some-one should write a thesis on this, it would be fascinating!

Answer 4

Well perhaps this is just my take on it, but I've never found sushi erotic. In fact, I've been to Kyoto twice, and I've never found any Japanese (or any other cuisine for that matter) erotic. But exotic, definitely. For some reason, people seem to think the Japanese only eat sushi. This is ridiculous. That's like saying the Belgians only eat waffles.

No, I don't think your take on other nations cuisine in accurate, as taste and preference is all relative. I do how ever think it speaks a lot of the tradition and customs of the culture it represents.

Answer 5

I think a people's culture does influence the food. The spiritual Zen influence is pervasive in Japanese society and determines many facets of Japanese life. Sushi's bite-size morsel and garnishing is no exception. Japanese tea ceremony is an excellent example of Zen spiritualism and philosophy adopted by their society - many aspects form the core values of Japanese society.

Sushi may appear exotic, erotic to you because they are not originally designed for the mass market in Britain or the US - they are from a foreign culture. There are many (including Asians) who find sushi boring and unappetizing. (One man's food and all that)

Fish & Chips is a food 'born' out of nescessity akin to the hamburger - they were meant for the working class, for the masses on the move, hence the unsophisticated packaging that comes with the food item. The packaging is practical, the food satiate the hunger. Of course there are people who find it boring (like you).

It is too simplistic to pick a food item to equate it to the culture of the people/country. I love fish & chips in London as much as I enjoy sushi in Tokyo. Aren't we all fortunate to have a world of cuisine to enjoy?

Answer 6

Errrr....you've never actually been to England have you ? Fish & chips hasn't been sold in newspaper for about 30 years at least , and anyway is outsold by chinese, kebabs, and indian take-aways.

And if you find raw fish "erotic", maybe you ought to see a councellor.

Answer 7

i geuss so

Answer 8

If you really think sushi is erotic, you're using the wrong hole! Sushi is delicate and beautiful, like the women there. Fish and Chips are Oily and crusty..am I gonna get the thumbs down for this or what!!!

Answer 9

I dont  know if it describes the people but at least can describe where the people in the country comes from

example I travelled to south america once and in one small country I found they had gnochi  which is a very rare dish outside italy especially so far away

   and it turned out they eat it every 29th of the month as a tradition!!

it also turned out that most of its people are of Italian origin

   it felt so weird

Answer 10

Not really. You are taking only certain items - every country has low and high cuisine. Every country has junk food or fast food. Fish and chips can be compared to McDonald's - neither is healthful. You are also stereotyping food - what an outsider views as the main dish - likely isn't most of the time. Sort of culinary tourism.

Besides, fish and chips isn't really English - the chips/frites are from Belgium and the fish part came from Jewish immigrants. All national foods are really  a mishmash of various influences, even those that seem definitive.

You find sushi exotic and erotic? It is fairly common where I am. I guess it's just availability and familiarity.

Answer 11

I guess it does! Not just the country the people too.

India-Curry-Spicey and Fiery

Hong Kong-Dim Sum-Different and Unusual

Spain-Seafood-s**y and Seductive

Italy-Pasta-Popular and Lovable

Mexico-Tamales-Hot and Dangerously Addictive

Well that's all I can come up with for now.

Hope you agree.

Answer 12

not the way you said it - doesnt neccessarily describe the people's thoughts - but it does describe the geographical presence of some stuff like fish (for sashimi) and cod for english fish and chips.