Food is a component of one’s cultural identity, and it can be used as a medium to represent one’s ethnicity. Much of one’s identity is formed through culture, and a major aspect of one’s culture is food. Ethnic identities are expressed and maintained through dietary choices, celebratory dishes, and ingredients predominantly used in their cultural group. The food that one eats strengthens ties to his/her ethnicity, because certain customs, rituals, or childhood memories are usually food related. Similarly, it also instinctively reinforces a sense of identity when he/she is in another cultural environment. Often, people pass their traditional food to future generations to preserve their culture. As much as immigrants assimilate when they come to a new country, it is important to continue to carry out their traditions. Food, although differs between cultures, is a universal element that binds all humans together regardless of their backgrounds.
New York has historically been known as a “melting pot” of different ethnicities or cultures. The city enables immigrants to introduce their ethnic foods through interactions with members outside of their ethnic group or through the food industry (i.e. restaurants, supermarkets, farmer’s markets, bakeries, etc.). In recent years ‘fusion’ restaurants have been sensationalized in the city, and social media has aided in popularizing these places. These ‘fusion’ restaurants and storefronts end up with lines up and down the block, and these ‘unique’ foods are intentionally sought after. Restaurant patrons in New York City have the ability to sample foods from all kinds of cultures and sometimes the dishes are cross-cultural or hybridized with American foods.
