Food is more than a means of sustenance or gratifying taste buds. It is one of the important markers of ethnic identity, along with language, religion, folklore and other elements of culture. It’s through the preservation of gastronomical traditions that important components of a culture, such as ethnic pride and patriotism, can be safeguarded – at least partially.
This is why it’s so important to promote traditional Emirati cuisine. As The National reported yesterday, the Tourism & Culture Authority Abu Dhabi has launched a programme to ensure that the emirate’s four and five-star hotels feature and promote local cuisine. Besides, as Saif Saeed Ghobash of TCA Abu Dhabi pointed out, the emirate is a melting pot of cultures and the authenticity of Emirati cuisine has been somewhat lost in the contemporary renditions of traditional cuisine.
Local food ought to be an integral part of tourism as most travellers from other parts of the world are more inclined to try it rather than eating their familiar dishes. Through tasting our food they will be able to gain a fuller insight into our culture.
