Being human means you need food. There might be varying kinds of palate, condiments, preparation techniques, but the underlying commonality is ingestion either for pleasure, or simply for survival.
Growing up in Lagos Nigeria, I never really gave "food" much thought. My parents catered to my need and fed me, yes, but feeding was just getting the next meal down. Post secondary school graduation, I played around with baking. I even went to a bakings chool, but did not finish because I had to resume at the University. I treasure the baking school experience because that was the start of my kitchen experimentation. I started to mix different textures, condiments, flavors, etc. to test compatibility and taste. My family members were my tasting panel, gladly offering feedback on whatever I whipped up and offered them.
My palate expanded after I left home and travelled out of the country in 2015. I moved to Qatar, and this was the start of my continental cuisine exploration. Qatar is a culture hub! a melting pot of people from all over the world, and it boasts of varying restaurants to match the population diversity. In Qatar, my food adventure began. My friends, colleagues and I hopped restaurants at different times, exploring dishes from around the world.
Sussane, a colleague was one of my principal food guide. She introduced me to new tastes and textures, and would always say that the people who consumed the food did not die after eating, then why should my case be different? I remember trying humus and bread from her prodding and absolutely loved it! Tanzeela was another food curator who introduced me to South Asia dishes that I have come to love. Paratha and curry top my list of favorites. I also came to love Lamb Majboos, Luqaimat and Umm Ali, all Qatari local delicacies.
I remember a comment I made to an Irish colleague that I could never believe any Nigerian's claim to love sushi. Imagine the guilt I feel every time I tell anyone how much I have come to love sushi and sashimi. My introduction into the sushi world, the protein was fried. Imagine my reaction munching on the accompanying ginger and wasabi in significant quantity! I was the Usain Bolt of spitting out. To think that I have come to love sushi so much that my colleague threw my Sendoff "party" at a Sushi Bar.
Gelato is absolutely worth the hype! Shoutout to DJ Cuppy for honoring Gelato with a banging musical hit. Italian ice cream, and generally Mediterranean Cuisine has remained a treasure - Greek Gyro, Greek Felafel, Baklava, Spaghetti Bolognese, to Canoli, Tiramisu, Pasta and Pizza in Italy.
Turkey was another world of food exploration. Oh my! Writing this piece brings to mind the pleasure of Turkish sweets, tea, and Cuisine. Yes Borek, Dolma, Simit, Manti, Menemen! I am blessed to have had a Turkish housemate after moving to the United States for Graduate School, and to have continued enjoying the blessing that is Turkish food. Ayse's parents visited us and completely crowned my love for Turkish culinary universe. Yes! It is a Universe.
The full British breakfast is another favorite although I have not been able to bring myself to eat the black pudding despite the outstanding praises I have heard about it. I indulge in Burger when I can and oftentimes make it at home. it is a meal I would likely not be caught eating at a restaurant only because of how messy it is to eat. But I do love a good burger. I like apple pie, but I am still debating how I feel about cornmeal porridge.
Moving back to Nigeria briefly, I became a food tourist in my country trying out new meals. I love soups from different tribes across Nigeria including white soup, black soup, Edikaikong, Oha and all the beautiful Ofes I tried, Ofensala, Ofe Onugbu. The soup and fufu, and the Isi Ewu I ate in Imo was a banger! God bless Onyinye and her family. Oh! I have to say, it is Amala Ojurin over Amala Skye for me anytime, anyday!
My love for food has grown with each new meal I try, and food has become a pastime I explore as part of my tourist activities including street food and fine dining. Georgia is another food heaven on earth. From Mtsvadi, Lobiani, Kachapuri to Churchkhela and Khinkali. Khinkali is my favorite because of the local way of eating and its flavorful liquid. I miss traveling, and I look forward to visiting a new country, and trying new meals. Food is culture, and I am glad to experience diversity in cuisine.
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