Asian Food Journey

Author: (Japan) Ito Takeji & Wei Wei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: From Afghanistan to China, "food" has tightly connected Asia. On this stage, there are numerous "food routes" crisscrossing, such as the Rice Road, Sushi Road, Dumpling Road, Bread Road, Dairy Road, Spice Road, Natto Road, Wine Road, Noodle Road, Fish Sauce Road, and Curry Road. Food is a vital part of human culture, migrating and spreading alongside nations. The stories recorded in this book are not about "gourmet" tales but about the "food routes." The scope of the narrative includes East Asia, specifically Japan and China, extending westward to Central Asia (Afghanistan), South Asia (India), as well as Thailand and Nepal. In Ito Takeji's narration, food studies become a way to construct "Asia," where the "food routes" erase borders, reconstruct Asia, and integrate it. At the same time, certain ideas related to food are also broken. Through food, we understand the cultural and historical aspects of Asia, and through food culture, we reaffirm the connection between Japan and Asia.