But with the passing of generations and the challenges of globalisation, certain domestic practices and traditional recipes are at high risk of being lost....
cuisine
Pakistan’s culinary heritage is an intrinsic part of the country’s cultural identity. With eateries open until 3 am, you can pretty much get everything you want at any time in Pakistan. Each city in Pakistan has its signature food. Additionally, several regions of the town are well-known for certain dishes. Not only cities but also villages have their distinct cuisine cultures. But with the passing of generations and the challenges of globalisation, certain domestic practices and traditional recipes are at high risk of being lost.
To address this concern, with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at the helm, Pakistan’s leading production house, SOC Films, has been documenting and recording important food stories from all over Pakistan for the past 3 years and is now set to launch the ‘Museum of Food’ initiative, which aims to further preserve and revive the country’s unique and diverse food culture.
The project will be an online repository, featuring Pakistani food stories, for which the production house is now actively researching and looking for further authentic and uncommon recipes and food practices from all over the country, especially from women, which could soon be forgotten.
“I grew up in a household, where my grandmother preserved our recipes, and I don’t see many of those left in Pakistan,” said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. “Our initiative is our attempt to ensure that the coming generations remain in touch with our culture, lineage and food practices.”
The production house is also interested in stories related to traditional and modern agricultural practices in Pakistan, including those that are at risk of being lost or have been impacted by climate change. Home cooks, chefs and foodies, are therefore all invited to share their personal food stories.
Pakistani cuisine is a beautiful mix of flavours. It reflects Pakistan’s history as well as the diverse environment. The food cultures of Pakistan are unique and are not just exciting but also delicious. They are also widely known around the world. The initiative is an important step towards preserving Pakistan’s food culture, ensuring that traditional practices and recipes are passed down to future generations.
- Faiza M.
