Here in UAE cultures blend seamlessly, the presence of Indian immigrants is undeniable. Among the many facets of their rich heritage that they have brought their famous dish “biryani.”
biryani has become a staple in the United Arab Emirates.
Despite its popularity, it is important to note that biryani is not considered as an Emirati dish per se. Rather, it is a testament to the cultural exchange and culinary diversity.
Yes I remember the prevalence of South Asians and their culture when I visited the UAE. It's good that biryani is not considered a UAE dish. When we have something we think is American, we call it an "X-American" dish, such as "Chinese-American" or "Italian-American." These dishes morph so they are not the same as the ones people see in their home countries.
I've never heard anyone say (at least in France) that couscous is French. I have heard and read that it is the most popular dish in France, which is likely due to a large Muslim population, and the fact that it appeals to a lot of French people and the French palate; it's not too spicy or highly seasoned, the vegetables are well-cooked, and it has meat. Of course, it's now part of the political discussion in France (which is interesting because I don't think politicians get criticized for eating tacos or dim sum in the U.S., but I could be wrong.)
I guess it’s similar to curry being the most popular English dish, but that doesn’t mean the dish is British. Politicians do get criticized for what they eat here. Ex. These guys ate a pizza the “wrong” way? https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/politician-food-fails-wrong-eat-york-city-pizza-38056753 And then there’s Trump and his Big Macs. I don’t think that’s what you mean, though. You’re talking about the perils of politicians embracing immigrant food.
Yes, the pizza thing was funny because, as anyone who's interacted with the public (or is traveling) knows that shaking hands and so forth makes you vulnerable to more germs and no one wants to get sick when they're campaigning (or on book tour!), and also, no one wants to laundry when they're on the road either : -)
I think the difference is that a dish may be a popular dish in a country, but that doesn't make it "English" or "French" - although French tacos are certainly...peculiar, since they're nothing like Mexican tacos, at all.
Respectfully, I wholeheartedly disagree. As food migrates, the dish itself evolves and it becomes part of its new home.
Chicken tikka masala may not be a British invention, but it’s part of the British cooking cannon at this point. Just as the baguette wasn’t invented in Vietnam, they get to keep it in making Bahn mi.
Yes I mentioned that some foods become part of their new homes, such as Chinese-American food. Chicken tikka masala is definitely part of the British canon, but no one would say it was British food. Same with bahn mi -- no one would say it was French.
Just to clarify, I'm saying the French have to share the Baguette with the Vietnamese at this point.
I'm might write a post to clarify my view. But I think any dish that is fully incorporated into the contemporary culture of a place gets at least partial ownership by its new home.
French Tacos are French. Tacos Arabes are Mexican. Baguettes are both French and Vietnamese. Tikka Masala is British. Spam belongs to the US and all of the South Pacific.
Here in UAE cultures blend seamlessly, the presence of Indian immigrants is undeniable. Among the many facets of their rich heritage that they have brought their famous dish “biryani.”
biryani has become a staple in the United Arab Emirates.
Despite its popularity, it is important to note that biryani is not considered as an Emirati dish per se. Rather, it is a testament to the cultural exchange and culinary diversity.
Yes I remember the prevalence of South Asians and their culture when I visited the UAE. It's good that biryani is not considered a UAE dish. When we have something we think is American, we call it an "X-American" dish, such as "Chinese-American" or "Italian-American." These dishes morph so they are not the same as the ones people see in their home countries.
I've never heard anyone say (at least in France) that couscous is French. I have heard and read that it is the most popular dish in France, which is likely due to a large Muslim population, and the fact that it appeals to a lot of French people and the French palate; it's not too spicy or highly seasoned, the vegetables are well-cooked, and it has meat. Of course, it's now part of the political discussion in France (which is interesting because I don't think politicians get criticized for eating tacos or dim sum in the U.S., but I could be wrong.)
I guess it’s similar to curry being the most popular English dish, but that doesn’t mean the dish is British. Politicians do get criticized for what they eat here. Ex. These guys ate a pizza the “wrong” way? https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/video/politician-food-fails-wrong-eat-york-city-pizza-38056753 And then there’s Trump and his Big Macs. I don’t think that’s what you mean, though. You’re talking about the perils of politicians embracing immigrant food.
Yes, the pizza thing was funny because, as anyone who's interacted with the public (or is traveling) knows that shaking hands and so forth makes you vulnerable to more germs and no one wants to get sick when they're campaigning (or on book tour!), and also, no one wants to laundry when they're on the road either : -)
I think the difference is that a dish may be a popular dish in a country, but that doesn't make it "English" or "French" - although French tacos are certainly...peculiar, since they're nothing like Mexican tacos, at all.
Okay now I want to know what French tacos are like.
I think if someone were to make them in America, the authenticity police would put them away for life... https://www.masterclass.com/articles/french-tacos-recipe
Lauren Collins wrote a long piece in The New Yorker on them, which may be behind a paywall.
Good god that has nothing to do with tacos! In this case, they can call them French and that would be fine with me! Thanks for the link.
Respectfully, I wholeheartedly disagree. As food migrates, the dish itself evolves and it becomes part of its new home.
Chicken tikka masala may not be a British invention, but it’s part of the British cooking cannon at this point. Just as the baguette wasn’t invented in Vietnam, they get to keep it in making Bahn mi.
Yes I mentioned that some foods become part of their new homes, such as Chinese-American food. Chicken tikka masala is definitely part of the British canon, but no one would say it was British food. Same with bahn mi -- no one would say it was French.
Just to clarify, I'm saying the French have to share the Baguette with the Vietnamese at this point.
I'm might write a post to clarify my view. But I think any dish that is fully incorporated into the contemporary culture of a place gets at least partial ownership by its new home.
French Tacos are French. Tacos Arabes are Mexican. Baguettes are both French and Vietnamese. Tikka Masala is British. Spam belongs to the US and all of the South Pacific.