Introduction to Afghan Food Culture
Talk about Afghanistan, and most people get the misconception that this is a country that does not have much to offer. In the event that you are of the same view, you need be informed that your perceptions are slightly misplaced. True, this is a country that has been ravaged by war and politics and so many other negative impacts of societal conflicts. However, even in the midst of all this madness, there is one thing that remains truly Afghan, it is their culture. So rich is the Afghan culture that there are so many countries that cannot even match them. Afghanistan is quite a unique nation, located within desert land. However, all the dryness and the war do not strike off the impeccable and enthralling
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One of the reasons why this culture stands out is that it is usually a rare occurrence to come away from an Afghan table hungry, even if the situation is so dire. Whatever little they have they usually share. Afghan cuisines are usually authentic and delicious especially if you have the know how to prepare them, Nafisa Sekandari Afghan Cuisine Avagana Publishing 2010 A Collection of Family Recipes
In Afghanistan, it is reported that even the type of food that is eaten has a symbolic meaning. In particular, we have the Qaabuli Pallow which represents the crown of Afghan cooking and is usually served to special guests or on special occasions such as weddings. Letee is a special meal that is served to new mothers due to the fact that it is very easy on the stomach yet it has a high nutritive value. Dogh is best enjoyed on a hot summer's day while Mahi is served during Nowroz-the Afghan celebration of New Year. According to Afghan tradition, eggs are usually prepared in a special way so that a guest is well nourished when they wake up in the morning. So strong is the Afghan belief in food and the embroiled culture that they believe that food is elemental in nature, and for that reason it can produce either hot, cold, or neutral reactions in the body. The culture appreciates food so much to the extent that it is considered sinful to step on a piece of dropped bread.
The dining culture in
Food brings community members together, builds on the existing bond between neighbors and family, and presents a understanding of a person's own heritage. In each area of the world, one will see food change into exoctic and diverse dishes of admiration, however, is the normal to the people of the foods origin. In “Ethnic Hash”, by Patricia J. Williams, she details how food can be changed ever so slightly through the use of seasonings, preparation style, and become a essential part of a culture. She comments, “Throw in as many spices and mysterious roots as you can lay your hands on” (Williams 12). Having a valid understanding of the origins of different aspects of culture allows for altering and imputing personal characteristics for generations to
In an article written by Amy S. Choi entitled, “What Americans can Learn From Other Food Cultures,” Choi discusses food in ways that pertain to ones culture. Today, our younger generation has become less thankful for simple, traditional foods and more wanting of foods prepared in less traditional ways, almost as if, “the more outlandish the better.” Choi mentioned in her article that, “those slightly younger have been the beneficiaries of the restaurant culture exploding in Shanghai” (Choi, Amy. “What Americans Can Learn From Other Food Cultures.” Ideastedcom. 18 Dec. 2014. Web. 17 June 2015) being from America I agree with her statement. Food in many cultures has become a status symbol; I believe that dining in expensive restaurants that serve
Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world. Three decades of war has subjected Afghans to harsh living conditions. Leaving most with insufficient resources to survive. Many women are left widowed, and are obligated to provide for their families,
For over 2 centuries, Afghanistan has known virtually no time without war. Beginning around 326 B.C. with the conquests of Alexander the Great, to the Persians, British, Russians and most recently, America and our NATO allies, Afghanistan has been cultivated into the country that it is today through a trial by fire. Regardless of this relentless onslaught of foreign military power, the Afghan people have tirelessly defended their homeland with no outside power ever being able to subdue them completely. Following the withdrawal of the Soviet Union in 1989, the country fell into civil war, torn even further apart by fiercely dedicated tribal warlords. This power vacuum led to the rise of a group called the Taliban. Led by a one eyed man
After reading this article, I’ve realized that the idea of food, eating, and even the type of food is different when compared to different cultures. Specifically, the article talks about food as an identity, as survival, as a status, as a pleasure, as a community, and as humanity. For each of these main ideas, the article gives an example of each culture and what they do differently with food. One that I though was really cool was how in China, people would rather eat unique textured foods such as Jellyfish and pig ears, instead of something that has a unique taste. After reading this, I began to thinking that this was the complete opposite compared to the American culture. This is because we will usually eat foods for taste and when we eat
People may have different views about foods depending on their cultural background. Providing range of familiar foods can help make individual feel at home, safe and welcomed.
During the course of history, the Gullah has protected their heritage through language, food, and customs. The Africans that were enslaved bought many of their recipes, foods, and cooking styles to the low country of the Carolinas and other coastal communities. Of the many recipes, brought to America one pot dishes, proved to be very instrumental in providing nutrition to the unbalanced rations that they received from their masters. Deep-frying, rice dishes, seafood, boiling, and steaming, baking in ashes, basic and natural seasonings, and an consistent use of rice provides a distinct taste when Gullah people are cooking. “Simply speaking, Gullah food is about ancestral ties and American living, adaptability, creativity, making do, “livin’ ot da waddah and on the lan.”” (Grantt. 2005, p 145) Cooking for the Gullah yields passion and creative expression that can only come from their strong ancestral connections, making Gullah Cooking a cultural
Afghanistan, a country of several ethnic backgrounds, is in constant struggle of standing united as a nation. The various beliefs, languages, social statuses, and ways of living have created tension among the ethnic groups (“Social Classes”). The Pashtuns and Hazaras are two particular ethnic groups that have clashed throughout history. The differences between the Pashtun and Hazara people created a major conflict with lasting effects on the way in which they live.
The land in Afghanistan is mountainous. Jagged, impassable ranges divide the country and make travel much more difficult. Due to these physical divisions, the people are extremely provincial,
Afghanistan is an Islamic republic that is located near Pakistan. Kabul is the capital city and the country’s Chief of State is President Hamid Karzai. The country bears a population of 33.609 million people. It has been in war for three decades making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The insecurity in the country has resulted in a large number of refugees. The current war that is going on began in 2001 by several terrorist groups such as Hezbi Islami.
While debating the food cultures I wanted to compare for this project, I reflected on my childhood and the various types of food and how they were prepared. The personal food culture that I selected is southern food, also known as “Soul Food” in the South. I chose this specific culture of food because I can make a connection to it. I grew up in a small town in Mississippi and most Sundays, my family would drive to my grandmother’s house. Our meals consisted of foods such as like fried chicken, country fried steak, cornbread, black eyes peas, butter beans, and mashed potatoes. An important tradition growing up in my family was fellowship and sharing our meals together. We also have a family reunion each year. These traditions influenced my
She subtly suggests that cultural identity can be lost, if not guarded and ritualized. Indeed, this story could even be read as a cautionary tale for Arab Americans heading the wrong way. Food as a marker of Arab or Arab American identity is an unmistakable theme in new world food literature. Its central aim is to proudly claim and assert Arabness.
If you think about life's different occasions, food is most likely at the center of each one. We use food to mark special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, graduations and weddings. Food is used to offer comfort to people who are mourning the loss of a loved one. It is prepared for the special family members and friends in our lives who need extra help while recovering from an illness or after having a baby. Food also plays a significant role in our daily lives: having breakfast with the kids before school, a lunch meeting with co-workers, or dinner with our spouse.No matter what our cultural background is, the preparation and eating of food is something we all have in common with one another. But food is much more than nourishment; it is the vehicle through which we communicate sentiments, express our creativity and create memories. And it is in the sharing of food with others that keeps us connected.
This paper will discuss the multifaceted relationships among food, and culture. I will be looking at the relationships people have with food, and explore how this relationship reveals information about them. Their food choices of individuals and groups, can reveal their ideals, likes and dislikes. Food choices tell the stories of where people have travelled and who they have met along the way.
Food brings everyone together no matter what culture you are in. Culture is a way of life shared by a group of people, beliefs, customs, symbols and etc. Many families can spend time with each other by preparing and eating dinner at the table, going out for dinner or just celebrating holidays.