Mind blowing food traditions

--SANAKRITI HAGAR

When something exists, persists and blossoms for long, it becomes a legacy. And especially when that something binds people together in the cycle of time. This enigma of exploring the unknown and the awe in the surprises places and their associated traditions can offer is so energizing. So today, I bring to you a fabulous list of some whacky, some fantastic and some “WEIRD” food traditions around the world.

What may be polite in England may turn out to be utmost disrespectful in some corner of the world. So what is it that ticks people? Let’s see. In Thailand, it's considered crude to put food in your mouth using a fork. Tell that to the Europeans who’ll be horrified by the idea of losing their fork’s and knives. Moving on, loudly slurping noodles and soup is acceptable in Japan, and is thought to both improve the flavor of the dish and allow the eater to enjoy hotter foods more quickly. I see some resonance here.

It is almost similar to what happens every morning in India!! Slurping the tea is what makes our day doesn’t it? It's taboo to eat with your left hand in parts of the Middle East and India. Don’t ask me why. It’s damn complicated. It’s considered a cardinal sin to mix fish and Parmesan.

So in Italy, do as the Italians do. Even wolverine taught us that sticking the chopsticks upside down in your food brings bad luck. It will be only unfair to not mention a few food items that follow such traditions. Snake wine. Century egg. Relax, these are not preserved for a century literally but only for a few months which is enough to turn the yolk “BLACK”!! It is worth mentioning that in Vietnam, it’s a tradition to eat the heart of a snake as a sign of men conquering fear.

There are many such wonders across the globe. And if you are an enthusiast when it comes to exploring the “Paranormal” in food, do go watch Andrew Zimmer. I am sure you have not seen anything yet.

#food #thetravellingfoodie