Tastes of Home
Reconnecting with our roots through flavors
By Cassandra Solorio Sandoval
Resumen:
Este artículo explora el profundo vínculo entre la comida, la identidad cultural y la nostalgia a través de las experiencias de estudiantes internacionales. La autora, basándose en su propia vivencia y en entrevistas con compañeros de diversas nacionalidades, revela cómo ingredientes específicos y platillos tradicionales se convierten en un ancla emocional que los conecta con sus raíces. Más allá de la comida, el acto de cocinar y compartir platos típicos crea un sentido de comunidad y ayuda a forjar nuevas memorias en un entorno extranjero, demostrando que la comida es un poderoso medio que trasciende fronteras.
Article Title: Tastes of Home
Author: Cassandra Solorio Sandoval
Publication: Fulcrum, No. 33 - Gastronomy
Publication Date: December 2024
How to cite:
Solorio Sandoval, Cassandra (2024). "Tastes of Home" in Fulcrum, 33, 42-45.
Food is vital to human life, not only as a necessity, but also as a source of immense pleasure. During my first year as an international student in Canada, I vividly experienced the challenges of living in a foreign country. One thing that helped me adapt to my new environment was forming new connections while staying connected to my roots. Like many other international students, I found that food was a powerful way to maintain a link to home—so much that I couldn't resist trying any Mexican restaurant I came across. For this article, I spoke with students from all around the world to discover the ingredients, dishes, and flavors that transport them back to their homelands.
For many international students, food is an important connection to their cultural identity and personal history. Ingredients like cardamom, teff flour, or peanut butter remind them of their childhood memories and family reunions. "Food is the easiest way to stay connected to my country, and when I taste cinnamon, I remember my mother's cooking", Soyuz told me.
Additionally, food plays a central role in cultural celebrations. For example, Aardra finds comfort and familiarity in traditional dishes like Payasam because they remind her of festive times from back home. While students bring snacks from home and visit restaurants that serve their traditional dishes, many also attempt to recreate them themselves. This pushes students to adapt by trying local versions of their favorite dishes or experimenting with new ways to replicate them.
However, many international students miss their homes for reasons that go beyond food. Amanda misses Ecuador not just for its flavors but also because her entire family remains there, making every meal a reminder of home. Being an international student can be challenging, but I've found that my friends are a constant source of support. We often gather at each other's homes to cook traditional dishes together, creating a sense of community that helps us connect with our cultures and strengthen our friendships.
Overall, food is a powerful medium that transcends borders and seas to bring people together. For international students, it offers a comforting reminder of their home while they adapt to their lives in a different country. Whether it's recreating their traditional dishes or discovering new favorite restaurants, the flavors they love maintain their connections to their roots.