UNDERSTANDING

CULTURE THROUGH
FOOD
Course: UNIV 112
Lecturer: Tran Bao Khuyen

Presented by Group Eclipse

 01 Introduction

TABLE OF 02
Material vs. Non-Material
Culture in Food

CONTENTS 03
Cultural Factors
Influencing Cuisine

Globalization and the

04
Transformation of Food Culture

Intercultural Awareness
05
Through Cuisine

06 Conclusion
 1

Introduction
The Role of Cuisine in Culture and
its connection
 The Role of Cuisine in
Culture
Food is more than just sustenance—it is a
representation of history and tradition (Mintz &
Du Bois, 2002).
It reflects historical influences, local ingredients,
and traditional techniques (Counihan & Van
Esterik, 2012).

=> Meals bring people together, reinforcing

community values.
=> Cultural Identity
Kimchi - a national symbol
Kimchi represents for love
and future.

More than just fermented

cabbage, kimchi represents
Korean history, resilience,
and communal food
preparation.
WHY STUDYING CUISINE
HELPS UNDERSTAND
CULTURE

By exploring culinary traditions, one

can gain insight into a society’s values,
history, and social dynamics
Example The Mediterranean diet reflects a
lifestyle focused on health, nature, and
social dining.

Cuisine as a Cultural Lens Fast food in the U.S.: The

By looking at the food they dominance of fast food reflects
cultural values of convenience,
consume and how they efficiency, and individual choice.
consume it, we learn more
about their beliefs, their past,
and their lifestyle.
British tea culture: More than just a
drink, tea is tied to colonial history,
social status (e.g., afternoon tea), and
national identity.
Meaning
Food habits reveal:

Core societal values (e.g., collectivism vs.

individualism).
Religious and ethical beliefs (e.g.,
vegetarianism in India due to Hinduism).
Social structures and class distinctions
(e.g., luxury vs. staple foods).
->
Culture shapes how we eat, what we eat, and
why we eat it.
Understanding cuisine helps us understand
cultural values and histories.
 WHY FOOD
MATTERS IN
OUR LIVES
Food serves as the foundation of human
survival, health, and community. It provides
essential nutrients, supports economies, and
shapes cultural identities.

Nutrition and Health Cultural Significance Economic Impact Social Connection

Food provides the energy and Culinary traditions often reflect The food industry creates jobs Sharing meals strengthens
nutrients necessary to sustain the history and values of a and supports agriculture relationships and fosters unity.
life. region. worldwide.
2.Material vs. Non-
Material Culture in

Food
Food is not just about
eating—it reflects lifestyle,
mindset, and values in a
culture.
 Food culture can be divided into two main

INTRODUCTION
categories:
Material culture: Tangible elements such as
dishes, ingredients, and cooking tools.
Non-material culture: Beliefs, values, and
traditions related to food.
MATERIAL
CULTURE IN FOOD
A. Traditional Dishes
Every country has signature dishes
that reflect its history, geography, and
traditions.
Examples:
Pho (Vietnam): A dish that
combines local ingredients with
influences from China & France.
Sushi (Japan): Represents
simplicity, freshness, and aesthetic
values.
Tacos (Mexico): A fusion of
indigenous Aztec food and Spanish
influences.
B. INGREDIENTS & COOKING METHODS
Local ingredients:
Southeast Asia: Lemongrass,
ginger, turmeric (herbs & spices).
Japan: Fresh seafood (long
coastline).
India: Rich spices (tropical
climate).
Different cooking methods
between cultures:
Asia: Steaming, stir-frying,
boiling (preserves natural
flavors).
Europe: Baking, roasting, grilling
(enhances rich taste).
c. Cooking Tools &
Utensils
Each culture has distinctive cooking
tools that suit its cooking style:

Chopsticks (Asia) Knife & Fork (Europe) Tagine (North Africa)

Represents precision Symbolizes a formal, A clay pot used to

and etiquette at the structured dining retain heat and
table style enhance flavors.
3. NON-MATERIAL Non-material culture refers to values, beliefs, and food-
related customs passed down through generations.

CULTURE IN FOOD
A. BELIEFS & VALUES IN
FOOD CULTURE
Religion plays a significant role in food
traditions:
Islam: No pork, only Halal food.
Hinduism: Avoids beef.
Buddhism: Encourages
vegetarianism.
Cultural beliefs in food and health:
China: Yin-Yang balance (hot vs. cold
foods).
Western countries: Scientific
nutrition (low-carb, vegan diets).
 b. Food Customs &
Rituals
Japanese Tea Ceremony – An art of respect,
humility, and mindfulness.
Eating with Hands (India & Middle East) –
Enhances connection with food and shows
respect.
Vietnamese Family Meals – Symbolizes unity,
with everyone sharing from the same table.
c. Dining Etiquette
Western countries: No loud noises
while eating.
Japan: Slurping noodles is a sign of
enjoyment.
Korea: Younger people must wait for
elders to start eating.
 Cultural
Transmission
Through Food
Food preserves traditions and
connects generations.

Family & Tradition Carving and Painting Handicrafts

Vietnam: Bánh chưng for Lunar Italian pizza became a global
Cooking passed down favorite.
New Year.
through generations. Vietnamese Bánh Mì blends
China: Dumplings symbolize
Family meals strengthen family reunion. French & Vietnamese flavors.
cultural identity. Japanese Sushi evolved into
USA: Turkey on Thanksgiving for
American-style rolls (e.g.,
gratitude. California Roll).
 4

Globalization
and the
Transformation
of Food Culture
A. FUSION CUISINE
We use the article "What is Fusion Food?
Different Types of Fusion Cuisine
Explained" to learn about fusion cuisine
by the website “Cuboh”:

Definition: Fusion cuisine mixes elements

from different culinary traditions to create
unique and innovative dishes.
Different types of fusion food
Regional fusion food: Regional fusion involves blending
culinary traditions from specific regions to create dishes
that combine familiar flavors in new and exciting ways, such
as Indo-Chinese cuisine:

Certain foods hold cultural

or religious significance.

Chili Chicken Hakka Noodles

Global fusion food: Global fusion
cuisine brings together culinary
elements from different countries
and cultures around the world,
creating dishes that blend diverse
flavors and techniques, such as:

Sushi burritos
Korean tacos
Modern fusion food: Modern fusion cuisine focuses on innovative that often defy
traditional culinary boundaries, such as chizza from KFC Vietnam which is a combination of
chicken and pizza.
 WHY IS FUSION CUISINE IMPORTANT TO
THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY?

Attracting new Standing out in a Enhancing brand

customers competitive market and flexibility
B. FAST FOOD VS.
PRESERVATION OF
TRADITIONAL CUISINE:
WHY FAST FOOD IS
MORE BENEFICIAL
THAN TRADITIONAL
FOOD?
FAST FOOD HAS BECOME, FOR
GOOD OR ILL, ONE OF THE
MOST DOMINANT THEMES IN
AMERICAN FOOD CULTURE
BECAUSE
(PROCESSEDFOODSITE, 2018):

Cheaper prices
Fast-food operations generally
emphasize a low price per meal
($4.00-$7.00) with a limited menu
and minimal table service.
FAST FOOD HAS BECOME, FOR
GOOD OR ILL, ONE OF THE
MOST DOMINANT THEMES IN
AMERICAN FOOD CULTURE
BECAUSE
(PROCESSEDFOODSITE, 2018):
Time saving
Fast food satisfied American demand
for a hot lunch quick and an
inexpensive family meal.
-> It diminishes the appreciation for authentic, home-cooked meals, resulting in the gradual erosion of
traditional cooking skills that have been passed down through generations.
How can we
preserve traditional
food?
A CASE IN FRANCE: THE PRACTICE OF
PRESERVING TRADITIONAL FOOD

To keep their artisan food culture

alive, Rouen’s Fête du Ventre –
the festival of the tummy – is held.
The main street, Rue Jeanne d’Arc,
isSymbolic
linedIngredients
with food stallsFestival
where red-
Delicacies

aproned cheesemongers
Certain foods hold cultural
or religious significance.
are
Unique treats associated
with specific occasions.

proffering cubes of neufchâtel

and camembert cheeses,...
(Boyd, 2024).
C. IMPACT OF
MIGRATION AND
INTERNATIONAL
TRADE
Create culinary fusion around
the world
Banh mi blends crispy French
baguettes with authentic
Vietnamese ingredients, such as
meat, fish, chicken, beef and
vegetables.
The Growth of
International Cuisine
When people who are from another
country, such as Japan, they introduce their
traditional food like sushi or ramen.
Vietnamese people love eating them,
leading to the demand for Japanese food.
This is why many Japanese restaurants are built in Binh Duong province, such as
Sukiya and Marukame:

SUKIYA- BEEF RICE WITH CHEESE MAKURAME UDON

INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Exposure to New Traditions
and Techniques
Cuisine reflects history, values, and
cultural identity
Indian curries → influenced by
spices from trade and colonialism
Japanese sushi → highlights
precision and respect for
ingredients
INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Breaking Barriers and
Encouraging Dialogue
Food brings people together → creates space
for conversations and understanding

Food festivals → taste and learn

about global dishes
International restaurants
→ promote social interaction
and cultural exchange
INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Promoting Inclusivity and
Cultural Fusion
Fusion cuisine reflects the blending of
cultures
Tex-Mex → combines Mexican flavors
with American ingredients
Korean tacos → mix of Korean and
Mexican culinary styles
INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Understanding History and
Geography Through Food
Ingredients and methods reflect trade
patterns and migration
Middle Eastern spices → reflect
ancient trade routes
Italian pasta → linked to early
exchanges with China
INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Respecting Culinary
Traditions When Traveling
Respecting local food customs =
cultural sensitivity
Japan → no tipping in restaurants
India → eating with hands is a
traditional practice
Morocco → accepting mint tea
shows hospitality and respect
INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Encouraging Respect and
Appreciation for Diversity
Understanding dietary customs =
fostering cultural sensitivity
Offering halal and kosher options
shows respect for religious
practices
Recognizing vegetarianism in
Indian culture reflects cultural
awareness
INTERCULTURAL
AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Cuisine = tool for cultural exchange
and understanding
Exploring and respecting food
traditions → fosters connection,
respect, and unity
INTERCULTURAL AWARENESS
THROUGH CUISINE
Promoting Inclusivity and
Cultural Fusion
Fusion cuisine reflects the blending of
cultures
Tex-Mex → combines Mexican flavors
with American ingredients
Korean tacos → mix of Korean and
Mexican culinary styles
FESTIVE
CONNECTIONS

Symbolic Ingredients Festival Delicacies

Certain foods hold cultural Unique treats associated
or religious significance. with specific occasions.

Food plays a central role in cultural celebrations, symbolizing unity,

prosperity, and tradition across the globe.
 FOOD AND TECHNOLOGY

Precision Agriculture Food Apps Smart Kitchens

Technology optimizes crop yields and Streamlines meal planning, grocery Appliances that simplify cooking and
reduces resource use. shopping, and food delivery. improve energy efficiency.

Technology revolutionizes how we grow, cook, and consume food, from advanced
farming techniques to smart kitchen appliances.