Food is an act of travel and identity because of the way it changes when it moves. Since the beginning of time, food has moved across the globe, and through time and different cultures. Of course, the only natural consequence of this kind of movement is its transition.

Food is a reflection of ones culture. I believe the reason why food is such a crucial part of every nation’s culture is because it brings people together. A meal is a symbol of communion or rapport. People come together to share food. In this communion, people eat food that is a symbol of where people come from. Why? Because food has been passed down through traditions and heritage since the beginning of time. When people share food with one another, they are sharing a a part of their own history.

Once food is shared among people, it opens itself up to change, because a person can take a food and can easily change it to their own likings and accustoms.  In this way, a person can take a food that is not part of their culture, and integrate it into their own. One single food, can therefore become a part of many different cultures in the way it changes while it moves.

Its easy to comprehend a culture or group of people through studying their food production. An environment directly affects the food a group of people eat. Environmental factors include climate and religion. The way food is processed is also a reflection of ones culture.

I don’t think one can give a single definition to “authentic food” because each person finds a different food authentic to them. Any food can be authentic if one person believes it to be. All food has an origin and a history. Therefore each and every food is unique and special in its own way, giving it its authenticity. Authenticity cannot be defined by a singular definition because so many different qualities of a food come together to create the originality of each food item. Because the definition of authentic is so broad, all food is authentic in its own way.