Food brings people from different cultures together and what could be easier than accepting an invitation to chow down with the locals? That is, unless they serve you a roasted warthog rectum…
No backing out
When travelling across a Namibian savanna, the late Anthony Bourdain was invited to eat with a tribal chieftain. What an honour, Bourdain must have thought before seeing what was on the menu (yes, warthog rectum). As open-minded as he was about food, Bourdain must have hesitated. But, as far as he was concerned, there was no backing out.
Edible storytelling
“When somebody’s offering you food, they’re telling you a story,” he would later say. “They’re telling you what they like, who they are. Presumably, it’s a proud reflection of their culture, their history, often a very tough history. You turn your nose up at that important moment, the whole relationship changes, and it will never be the same.”
Diplomatic dishes
From his extensive travels, Bourdain continually got to see how a shared meal can bring people from different cultures closer together. It can be especially meaningful when locals introduce their most beloved dishes to a visitor. In many ways it’s a demonstration of identity. That’s why prized national products and local specialties are proudly served at state dinners, perhaps winning over visiting diplomats in the process. Social science research has revealed that sitting down to eat with other people makes us more agreeable and, therefore, more willing to compromise.
Culinary explorations
When we are new to a country, taking an interest in the local cuisine is also a fun and easy way to get a feel for the place. If the local cuisine doesn’t excite you at first glance, take a leaf out of Bourdain’s playbook and find a way to learn more. For example, join a cooking class, or a food-focused tour. Or perhaps you can find a way to introduce your own national cuisine to others.
Dining companions
Last but not least, if you’re new to a country and feeling quite isolated or lonely, how about seeking some fellow expats to be your dining companions? In Latin, the noun ‘companio’ means ‘one who shares bread with another’. See? Since time immemorial, enjoying food with other people has been at the heart of friendship!
This article was originally published for the thousands of expat partners that Global Connection supports around the globe. It is reproduced here in its original form.
