- Since time immemorial, a humongous amount of research – let’s say trial and error – has been happening on the food preferences of humankind. As we have evolved on the back of some revolutionary innovations, inventions, initiatives, growth, and developments of unimaginable proportions, our likings/disliking’s for culinary preferences too have metamorphosed keeping in line with the fast-altering scenarios. Of course, every known human civilization has existed, inhabiting areas flush with water, a conducive atmosphere, and human ingenuity in constantly exploring opportunities to better lives amid tremendous challenges. Despite encountering challenges galore of various natural hues, humankind largely succeeded in envisaged endeavours.
PC: The Indian Express
- Of course, the food plays an extremely important role in shaping individuals, society, countries, and the world at large in more than one way. Yes, food is an energizer, life-sustainer, and most importantly, allows us to explore our full potential by realizing true worth for the benefit of all concerned. Little wonder that food has a distinct place in our day-to-day existence. So much so that we need food to eat and live in a dignified manner. Yes, there are innumerable options available to suit an individual’s taste buds. However, the basic premise of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food preferences largely shapes our choices, with several other offshoots originating from these two by further offering options to choose from.
- The modern day is inundated by numerous dietary choices, including some recognizable fads. Yes, of late, the emphasis is on a healthy diet, which could be termed as slow food, scoring high on nutrition. Also, we have the mushrooming of fast food choices, offering convenience in the extremely pacy/busy present-day expectations. Amid increased awareness of healthy food offerings, the option to choose fast food is heading north, too. France, the Mecca of haute cuisine, is undergoing a gastronomic counterrevolution – the rise of fast food chains. The hottest food joint in elegant Paris today is a takeout that serves chicken tenders over rice. Queues are long, and the buzz is on. Exit fine dining, pretty or elegant restaurants, celebrity chefs.
PC: Freepik
- Bring on Gen-Z, influencer-driven, no-nonsense eateries. Shockingly, more than half of French restaurants’ annual revenue is generated by fast food. But can haute cuisine truly be firewalled from fast food? It hasn’t worked out like that anywhere. From Japan to Peru, China to Morocco, fine culinary arts have had to share space with cheap fast food. More so after the advent of industrialization, when meal times – from preparation to consumption – shrank. And that’s okay. India is a great example, where high and popular cuisines happily coexist, sometimes inspiring each other. There are innumerable innovations on this front, too. True, slow food scores on nutritional value. But fast food is convenient. Moderation in eating habits is imperative, though.
