By Itty Okopide

In My Best Friend’s Wedding, a 1997 romantic comedy drama, a group of gourmet chefs raced to put the finishing touches on the food to be served to the renowned food critic, Julia Roberts, who plays the role of Julianne. From behind, they watched anxiously as she gave her judgement. “I’m writing it up as inventive and confident.” She said. That look on Julia Roberts’ face and the manner in which she enjoyed her meal afterwards is priceless. It is something I wouldn’t want to miss out on, nor should you.

You wonder why it is so important to eat good food or why people spend time touring the world to try out good food? Yes, you do. Now, let me tell you, good food is life. Variety is the spice of life. Trying new foods will not only broaden your horizons, but it can also help you eat healthier, expose you to diverse cultures and add variety to your diet.

Why Do People Try Different Foods?

If you are a lover of good food, then you will value the role personal taste has to play as one of the reasons why you try out different foods. Ever been to a restaurant and without thoroughly going through the menu, you make a choice? What is the cause of that? Aesthetics of food! This deals with the practice of giving food an attractive and pleasing appearance. That means you and I, most times, equate personal taste to the aesthetic display of food. So yes, people try different foods for personal/good taste.

Another reason why people try out different foods is cultural influences. You hear so much about the culture of people and you appreciate it. There is a lot to experience and all you just want to do is try out their food. Food choices are strongly influenced by the culture of a country or community one may find themselves. If you are a traveller, then you must have interacted with people of diverse cultures and also tasted their food.

My final reason on why people try out different foods is family preferences. Since a family is united through blood or adoption, then there is room for members of the same family to imbibe the lifestyle of another member which includes food choices.

Generally I think access to food is the most basic survival requirement of human beings. Access to really good food is essential to health and life. Therefore, it is only reasonable that we take pride in eating good food.