February 2022
Food Memories
Stir Up Warmth and Community | By: MARIUM ZAHRA |
T
hink back to the best meal you have
has positive effects on self-esteem. A recent
family first came to El Paso, we took advantage
ever had. It is the juicy ribs your dad
study from Oxford University explained that
of the authentic Mexican food available at the
makes or the pizza you ate during your trip
people who eat food with others are more
border and have grown to love it. As Pakistani
to Medici. Is it the fudgy brownies your
likely to be satisfied with their lives. A quality
immigrants, we also bring some ingredients
mom bakes every Friday? You will find
meal with our families can give us a sense of
to the pot. Our biryani, an aromatic rice dish
comfort and relaxation.
with spiced meat and vegetables, is a much-
that your favorite meal connects to a person
requested item by our friends, neighbors, and
or a place, not just a memory. Sharing a meal is sharing an emotional connection. That is
So, it comes as no surprise that food is a main
at potlucks. My mom swears it’s why some
why it is no surprise that meals can help us
aspect of the holidays. Thanksgiving would not
people are still friends with us.
overcome anything from political barriers to
be Thanksgiving without turkey. The month of
even cultural differences.
Ramadan would not be the same if you did not
Some of the best memories I have revolve
break your fast with watermelon and dates.
around food. From eating my father’s
While food has always been used as means
Additionally, holidays are a perfect example
wonderful korma (a creamy curry dish) to my
of survival, over millennia it has merged into
of the deep relationship between food and
mom’s overcooked steak, food has become
so much more. So much so, that food is a
culture. Food can bring us closer to our own
incredibly valuable to my emotional memory.
staple in our everyday interactions. Food is
cultures and introduce us to new ones.
When you eat the same meal for a time, it now becomes a part of your identity. We
present in almost every social event from professional dinners to catching up at brunch
In a melting-pot like the United States, food
with friends. Enjoying food with others also
comes from a variety of cultures. When my
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
really are what we eat.
79