On Authentic Food
Have you ever used the term “authentic” to describe a local restaurant or the food they serve?
Today, we’re going to talk about the concept of authenticity, especially as relates to food. We’ll examine where the term comes from and how it gets used. We’ll think about why we choose the term for some foods and not for others, and we’ll question whether or not there are more robust ways we can describe the things we love to eat.
We hope this short reflection will help you reflect on the ways food has shaped you. Listen in.
Books & articles mentioned:
The Ethnic Restauranteur by Krishnendu Rey
Exotic Appetites by Lisa Heldke
Washington Post article by Emily Heil
Korean America by Eric Kim
Ottolenghi Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi
Diasporican by Illyanna Maisonet
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After you've listened to the episode, use these discussion questions to reflect further. Consider discussing them around the table with a friend or two.
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "authentic food"?
Have you ever learned something interesting about a country or a culture when eating their food?
Have you ever felt stifled or stereotyped by someone's expectations of your own food culture?
Along with the Kitchen Meditations podcast, we send out a weekly newsletter called The Weekly Digest. It’s simple, consistent, and a great resource for Sunday reflections. We also include a free PDF download with the week’s prayer, discussion questions, and a unique seasonal recipe created by Kendall Vanderslice. This week’s recipe is Coconut Butternut Squash Soup.
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