The Taste of Memory – Why Food Is the Language of Identity

What fascinates me most is how food carries history through generations. It adapts, evolves, and survives, just like people do.

Food isn’t just nourishment, it’s communication. It tells us who we were, who we are, and sometimes who we hope to be. Anthropologists often call it the edible archive, because every bite carries a record of geography, trade, climate, and resilience. Meals that began in scarcity often become cultural treasures. Recipes passed down through struggle become comfort.

When I think back to Popo’s kitchen, I realize her stories weren’t just about food, they were about identity, memory, and belonging. That simple egg dish was her way of preserving the past, teaching me that every meal has a message if you take the time to listen.

So the next time you sit down to eat, take a moment to think about where your food came from, not just the place, but the people. Because whether it’s a plate of sushi, a bowl of pasta, or a simple egg dish made by your grandmother, what we eat tells our story. And that story deserves to be remembered.