Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a language of its own. Every dish, ingredient, and cooking technique carries a piece of history, tradition, and cultural identity. Often, the words we use to describe food reveal deeper stories about a people’s way of life, values, and even humor.

1. Untranslatable food words

Some cultures have words for food experiences that don’t exist elsewhere:

• “Merienda” (Spanish) – a light afternoon snack, often social, showing the importance of small breaks and community.
• “Kuchisabishii” (Japanese) – the feeling of eating because your mouth is lonely (not because you’re hungry).
• “Lagom” (Swedish, in food context) – not too much, not too little—just the right amount, reflecting Swedish balance in life.

These words don’t just describe food; they reveal cultural attitudes toward eating and togetherness.

2. Ingredients as cultural symbols

Certain ingredients are so tied to a culture that their names evoke national identity:

• “Kimchi” (Korean) – more than just fermented cabbage; it’s a symbol of resilience, tradition, and Korean pride.
• “Paneer” (Hindi) – a staple in Indian cuisine, representing vegetarian adaptability in a meat-heavy world.
• “Borscht” (Russian/Ukrainian) – a soup that sparks debates over origin, showing how food connects to heritage and politics.

3. The stories behind cooking terms

Even cooking methods tell tales:

• “Barbacoa” (Spanish → “Barbecue”) – originated with Indigenous Caribbean slow-cooking techniques, later adapted globally.
• “Tandoor” (Hindi/Urdu) – a clay oven representing centuries of South Asian culinary craftsmanship.
• “Sous-vide” (French) – a modern precision technique, reflecting France’s influence on haute cuisine.

4. Food idioms and sayings

Many languages use food metaphors to express emotions:

• “Spill the beans” (English) – accidentally revealing a secret.
• “Avoir la pêche” (French, “to have the peach”) – feeling energetic and happy.
• “Estar como un flan” (Spanish, “to be like a flan”) – being nervous or wobbly.

Why does this matter?

Learning culinary terms isn’t just useful for ordering food—it’s a gateway to understanding traditions, humor, and daily life in other cultures. At Baltic Media, we believe language and food are the best ways to connect with the world.