An appreciation of culture, however, would be incomplete without considering food. In reality, most the global cultures are defined by their relationship with food; it is a way of communicating identity & heritage, as well as being deeply symbolic & playing a central role in many ceremonies. Growing up in Islamic household, there was little doubt for me about cultural importance of food; it is everything.
Food is central to human lives - whatever the epoch, wherever in the world. Engaging in coversations with my sister-in-law, Professor Dr. Hajah Nor Khomar Ishak, former Dean of Tourism Management, UNITAR International University, said it very rightly: “Just tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are. First of all, food is a link between humans & nature. Eating requires selecting produce that is considered as eatable. It also encapsulates a cultural vision of a meal must be: what to eat according to circumtances and celebrations.” (independent.academia.edu>nor-khomar-ishak<; www.researchgate.net>Nor-Khomar-Ishak<; scholargps.com>scholars>nor-khomar)
Evidently, last weekend at the wedding reception of my wife, Zarina's neice at Seri Kembangan when selecting our dishes from the buffet spread, we opted for the perfectly 'BBQ Grilled Lamb Rib or Loin Chops'. These are cut further back, between the ribs and leg that have almost the same smooth flavour as a rib chop. It is ooking like little T-bone steaks, they tend to be meatier than rib chops…
It is true as Prof Nor Khomar articulated that the more we relate to the food we eat, the more we are consciously present as we eat - the less we eat, because we value the food more. It's mindfulness. We enjoyed the taste as we eat it, the flavour, and the sensation.
I agree that food covers everything: physics, chemistry, biology, language, mathematics, music, dance, philosophy, psychology, geology, geography - everything. Yet we've taken it off most of the curriculum and not given the needed educational attention that it deserves.
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