It’s famously well-documented how much we love food, especially in the age of Instagram and FoodTok. Historically speaking, the need to acquire something as simple as spices has even pushed countries to try and conquer others. Is there a deeper reason as to why good food is being chronicled and shared so prevalently in the modern age?
The Evolution of Foodie Culture
Food is a biological necessity; it is the fuel that keeps our bodies going. However, in Western countries, food is not only portrayed as a need we must satisfy but can also, at times, be a luxurious experience. The shift in the eyes of the population was most evident through the advancement of technology, which made high-end dishes typically only enjoyed by the upper echelons of society more visible.
Foodie culture has even leaked into popular media, from reality shows based on cooking challenges to the hundreds of slots with food motifs. Take, for instance, slot games like Fruit Stack Deluxe, Sweet Bonanza Live, or even Extra Chilli, which all depict imagery of edible items. While some may say you shouldn’t play with your food, this is probably the only time it is definitely acceptable to do just that.
The most evident cause of the rise of foodie culture has to be attributed to platforms like Instagram. How many times have we had to wait to tuck into our meals while our friend took aesthetic pictures? Food is popular, and on a platform where likes are the currency, it seems obvious to share something most would enjoy. Ultimately, these depictions just prove how far foodie culture has gone to dominate our society.
The Importance of Food Beyond Sustenance
So, we need food to live, and they’re popular online, but is that it? Not quite. Food can also be a source of nostalgia, with familiar flavours transporting us straight to our childhood. This is because our sense of taste and memories are deeply interconnected. As such, eating dishes we’re well acquainted with can bring us a peculiar sense of joy or comfort.
It can also be a great way to connect with not only our own culture but also with completely foreign ones. This is also very evident with the rise of FoodTok, a subcommunity of TikTok, where many are sharing their family’s recipes. The beauty of this is that we get introduced to so many dishes that represent each person’s cultural heritage and identity.
Lastly, eating can be such an incredible social activity. Gathering your friends and/or family over for a nice dinner, or even better, a fun potluck, can be the perfect excuse to socialise with people you love but haven’t seen in some time. This turns food into another tool that can be used to bond with them, and isn’t that just beautiful?
There are many reasons why foodie culture is so prevalent, so it’s definitely here to stay, and we can’t say we’re too unhappy about that. Ultimately, food can not only be a necessary bodily function but also extremely nourishing for your soul.
