The start of 2024 was boisterous in India because of a big court case. It might not be something you would immediately think of when thinking about big court cases, but two men challenged each other on who came up with the recipe for butter chicken. The court case received nationwide attention, which might seem […]
Tiels Flipje; How fruit cultivation ensured regional identity in the Betuwe.
I remember growing up in Buren, a small village known for nothing but the fact that William of Orange was once married there. Little did I know back then, that the region I come from, is nationally known for its fruit cultivation. Surely one of the main jobs you could get as a 15-year-old was […]
‘Hummus Wars’: a longstanding culinary and cultural battle
Hummus, the blend of chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic, has become one of the most beloved mezze across the world. Its popularity spans beyond just a food trend, as it is deeply embedded in the cultural and national identities of the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. However, the rise in its […]
The rice table as a token: representing the cultural integration of the Indische people in the Netherlands
Did you know that the rice table is listed as Dutch national heritage on the UNESCO world heritage list? It was even introduced to Macron as a typical Dutch dish by former prime minister Mark Rutte as they enjoyed a rice table together. Broadly appreciated and consumed by the Dutch people the rice table has […]
How the ‘Afhaalchinees’ Conquered the Netherlands: From Authentic Cuisine to ‘Dutchification’ of Chinese-Indonesian Dishes
During a visit to my parents in the far north, we were trying to decide what to eat. No one felt like cooking, so we opted for Chinese takeout. My mother and I drove to the Chinese restaurant just a few streets away. When we arrived, we saw that we weren’t the only ones – […]
My Roman Empire: snail-eating and elitism in ancient times.
This summer, I was on a holiday in the South of France. The eating of snails has always had a high place on my bucket list, and this summer I tried them for the first time. One time in Aix-en-Provence, and one time in Nuits-Saint-Georges. Both times incredible. The garlicky, buttery, parsley liquid was magnifique. Although […]
The Development of the ‘LiGA’ brand
Almost every Dutch person is familiar with LiGA biscuits. For me, these biscuits are especially linked to my primary school experience. I haven’t eaten them in about twelve years, but even the thought of them serves as a gateway to my childhood memories. In 2023, the brand celebrated its 100th anniversary. During this time, the […]
Oysters: You either love them or you hate them
To some, oysters are a slimy goodie of sea snot, to others a luxury item preferred to be consumed with a glass of bubbles. But have oysters always been a status object? People have been eating oysters for centuries. Even as far back as prehistoric times. Not very surprising. After all, oysters are not very […]
Cultural spirits: Toasting to Identity
Sharing feelings of pride or a sense of connection with others regarding specific cultural aspects of society is common all over the world. A particular example comes to mind quite close to home: Italian cuisine is a divine part of the day-to-day life of many Italians, and each region or city has its own rules […]
Japanese Curry: How a British Navy staple inspired one of Japan’s most beloved dishes
Japan loves their curry! In fact, they love curry so much that, according to government research, the Japanese eat 10 billion plates of curry a year. That comes down to two plates a week per person. It is fair to say the dish is popular, coming in as the second most eaten dish in Japan. […]