I’ve always had an obsession with food. I constantly think about my next meal, even while eating the last one. Snacks like dried fruit or roasted nuts are always with me. When I travel, I dive into local dishes and take cooking classes. At home, I explore new restaurants and throw dinner parties to showcase my latest creations.
I often wonder why I became this way. I think back to my childhood in Nanjing during the 1970s, when food was hard to come by. We used ration coupons, and while I didn’t starve, I often felt hungry. Meat was a rare luxury, enjoyed just a few times a month. Milk was saved for those deemed worthy.
My breakfast was simple: boiled leftover rice with pickled vegetables. It filled my stomach temporarily, but that hollow feeling of hunger returned too quickly. Even now, I dread that sense of emptiness.
To satisfy our cravings for meat, my brother and I would climb trees on hot summer days and catch cicadas. We roasted them over a fire and found them surprisingly crunchy and tasty.
This early experience taught me more than just a love for food; it created a deep respect for it. Food in Chinese culture is not just sustenance. It’s a form of communication and identity. People often greet one another with, “Have you eaten?” instead of the standard “How are you?”
Recent studies show this connection to food is universal. According to a 2022 survey, nearly 70% of people worldwide view meals as an important part of social bonding. Food brings us together. It tells stories of our backgrounds and traditions.
Reflecting on my past helps me appreciate every meal. In a world where food is plentiful, we can sometimes forget its true value. My journey has taught me to cherish not just the flavors I enjoy but also the connections they foster. Food is more than just what’s on our plates; it’s a vital thread that weaves people together.
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Nanjing, Chinese food, Chinese culture, Beijing, scallion pancakes, China, matcha lattes, Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, sushi, food delivery apps, zongzi
