Burgers for All

 When North Americans think “fast-food”, the first thought that comes to our mind is “burgers and fries”. This may be due to the high presence and saturation of the world-famous restaurant, McDonald’s. Although each burger has a unique recipe, there are a few staple ingredients: A toasted bun, a slice of cheese and/or vegetables, and a meat-based patty. However, what about those who choose not...

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Food: A Bengali Perspective

 Bhapa Pitha - Bangladeshi Winter Delicacy As an international student, living in a foreign country, the food that I have an appetite for, and cook is an accumulation of my convenience and experience instead of my taste buds. Coming from a Bangladeshi heritage, food is not only a means of survival or nutrients but also a means of cultural celebration, community engagement, building and sharing...

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Behind the Aroma II: Understanding Skin in the Game

 I like interacting with people and learning about their ideas. Working with ‘Behind the Aroma II’ as a Graduate Research Assistant has helped me learn from people from different backgrounds, These people include shop owners, restaurant managers,  people in academia and industry experts. I had the opportunity to learn about what they do and what they know best. Xawaash Restaurant Mississauga,...

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Cappuccino or Latte? Preference as a function of Utility

The hot sun starts peeking through the trees in the early mornings of a summer July day. Listening closely, you hear the birds chirping as the leaves are swaying in the hot breeze. Taking in that breath of fresh air, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee creeps its way through the tent. Waking up after a night of camping can be rough, but at this point, you know life is good with that fresh cup of coffee...

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A Somali Breakfast

  It was few minutes after 9am on a cold winter Sunday morning. We met at a friend’s car park and drove to Salaama Hut, a Somali restaurant in Etobicoke, Toronto to enjoy a Somali breakfast. We arrived at the restaurant around 10:15am and by 10:25am we were waiting for our meals. Anjeera - A Somali Staple To impress the Somalis in the restaurant we started by greetings in the Somali way: Subah...

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How the Pandemic Affected Restaurants and Cafes

 Cafes are Booming and Coffee Drinkers Can’t Stop *This is part of our series on the nexus between COVID-19 and food systems. The exquisite skill in perfecting latte art comes with practice. These little details are the cherry on top for a coffee.   I stepped into the café for my final interview. I didn’t know much about them other than a good friend of mine held her wedding...

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Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Food Systems in China: the perspective of a Nigerian resident in China

 *This is part of our series on the nexus between COVID-19 and food systems.The purpose of this write-up is to express or show the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the food system in China as it has affected me. Refrigerated Products - A Store in Shanghai I am a foreigner, living and working in China for 18 years in the education industry. A few years ago, I started a Nigerian ‘cook from home...

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