I recently finished a book on travels of Marco Polo. What I found really absurd is that the author maintains that nomadic cultures lack a rich culinary heritage. To me, that is a total nonsense. English are not Nomadic, so why cannot they cook, even if their life depended on it? No wonder the most popular food in England is curry. Bloody Brits.
So, what are your thoughts on food? Do you think that by definition nomadic people should have a rich culinary heritage as they don’t stick to a place and wander from one to the next. Have you ever had any experience to eat gypsy food? I had it quite a few times, but I can’t remember how it tasted because I was so intrigued by the company that I completely overlooked the food.
Roman.. what I meant to mean is that I inadvertently neglected to pay attention to the food. All I remember is that the food was very simply prepared and shared with all in the room (this was my few encounters with Romas). Everyone drank from the same glass and eat from a big plate. I find Gypsies very fascinating. It is sad that they are not treated well in many countries of Europe.
I used to love elaborate complicated cooking. But of late I have been working on simple wholesome food and am loving it. Save time, eat a more healthy diet. I don't think my present diet is less rich than the old one. There is abundant variety - seasonal and in preparation techniques, and I'm sure the food is more nutritious.
There are a lot of settled people besides the Brits who eat a monotonous diet. I think it depends on a lot more things than whether they are nomadic.
Shirin. In my opinion, absolutely. That’s why I found it strange that a well respected travel writer will say something like that (I think, he offered Marco Polo’s feeling), and who knows what Marco thought of what rich culinary heritage is? Perhaps pasta of 200 varieties is a Rich Heritage to a few, and to others it is plain noodles.
I think the idea was that Nomads usually didn’t venture farther than to Boil/Fire-Cook their cuisine, whereas others came up with more inventive ways of preparing food. Just a thought.