The study “Foodways and Culinary Capital in the Diaspora: Indian Women Negotiating Food and Identity in Finland and the US” looks at how Indian families living abroad, especially Indian women, adapt their food habits and cooking styles in countries like Finland and the United States. Here’s a simple explanation:
Key Ideas from the Study:
1. Food as a Part of Identity
- Food isn’t just about eating; it’s a big part of who we are. For Indian expatriates, cooking and eating Indian food helps them feel connected to their roots and culture.
2. Challenges in Finding Ingredients
- Indian families often struggle to find the right ingredients or spices in new countries. For example, they might not find fresh curry leaves or the exact type of lentils they used at home.
3. Adapting to New Food Cultures
- They might need to change recipes to fit what’s available locally. For instance, if a specific type of fish isn’t available, they’ll try cooking with something similar.
4. Balancing Tradition and Modernity
- Indian women often feel the responsibility to preserve traditional recipes but also want to adapt to their new lifestyle. This might mean learning to cook with fewer spices or making quicker meals to suit their busy schedules.
5. Sharing Indian Food
- Cooking Indian food can also become a way of sharing their culture with locals and friends. For example, inviting Finnish or American friends over for a traditional meal can spark curiosity and appreciation for Indian cuisine.
6. Coping with Loneliness or Homesickness
- Preparing familiar dishes can help Indian expatriates feel less homesick. A plate of homemade biryani or a cup of masala chai might remind them of home and family.
What This Means in Real Life:
Imagine an Indian family moving to Finland. The mother might have to shop at special Asian grocery stores far away to find basmati rice and Indian spices. She might tweak recipes to use local vegetables or skip some ingredients she can’t find. When she invites Finnish neighbors for dinner, they might find the food too spicy, so she makes a milder version. All this effort helps her family enjoy a sense of home, even in a foreign land, while also building connections with locals.
Why This Study Matters:
It highlights how food isn’t just about survival—it’s deeply tied to our identity, culture, and how we relate to others. Indian expatriates use food as a tool to keep their heritage alive while also building bridges in their new communities.
