Food culture has always been an essential aspect of human society. It reflects the variety and diversity of cuisines, cooking methods, traditions, and tastes that are prevalent in different parts of the world. Over time, food culture has evolved, and its influence has expanded beyond homes, restaurants, and cafes.
Today, food culture plays a significant role in the media. Media, whether it be digital or printed, is the primary tool that connects individuals around the globe. And, as such, food has found its way into the media to become an essential part of our daily lives.
Food blogs, cooking shows, food documentaries, and foodie social media accounts have become common sights on the internet. Food bloggers and YouTubers share their own food adventures, new recipes, and cooking tips that are shared and then recreated by an ever-expanding audience of food lovers. Singapore’s How to Cook That with Ann Reardon or Japan’s Cooking with Dog is an excellent example of how much food culture could indeed influence media.
Cooking shows have been a staple of television for decades and continue to be popular. Cooking shows foster an appreciation for ethnic foods and techniques that may not have been previously explored. For instance, Anthony Bourdain’s travel shows, such as “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown,” showcased various cultures across the globe and their unique cuisines.
Restaurants fitting unique food cultures also benefit from media attention. Individuals make reservations to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants featured on popular TV shows and documentaries, such as Netflix’s Chef’s Table. This media attention attracts a new generation of foodies who are eager to sample different and exotic foods.
Social media platforms have made it easier to generate “foodie” buzz in real-time. Instagram is awash with pictures of food dishes, cafes, and restaurants, all shared by food bloggers and amateur photographers. The hashtag #foodporn has become a phenomenon with over 200 million posts related to food culture. Instagram celebrities such as Avant-Garde Vegan and J Kenji Lopez-Alt receive huge followings and influence many food trends.
However, food culture’s influence on media goes beyond social media and television shows. It is also reflected in various other types of media, including books, magazines, and advertisements. Through food, advertisers communicate and promote brands and products, which aides in the overall success of their marketing strategies.
Furthermore, food’s influence on media has given rise to food critics and reviewers, who are in charge of sharing their opinions on restaurants and eateries. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt’s Food Lab column on Serious Eats and Jonathan Gold’s Pulitzer Prize-winning writing in the LA Times are just two examples of food critics who have built a loyal following.
In conclusion, food culture’s influence on the media has become a game-changer. It allows individuals from across the globe to connect over a shared love of food, and it shapes our perceptions of different cultures. Food culture plays a pivotal role in media, and it is safe to say that its influence will only continue to grow.
