Chapter 3: Nasi Goreng, tahu tek, dan rumah
Before I move to Jakarta, I have the misconception that food merely served as a means to sustain oneself throughout the day. A mere collection of nutrients to satisfy hunger. However, this perspective proved to be a big mistake. I discovered that food surpass its utilitarian function; it functions as a conduit to my cognitive processes and emotions.
It serves as a nostalgic bridge, forging a connection to one’s roots and heritage, evoking a profound sense of cultural identity and belonging.
This revelation unveiled the intricate relationship between nourishment and emotional resonance, transforming my understanding of food from a basic necessity to a rich and meaningful aspect of my daily life.
So yeah, upon my stay at this busy city, I get to learn that food is more than a meal on a plate.
We are what we eat
In 2017, a comprehensive study done by the University of Texas at Austin delved into the impact of spicy food consumption on human cognitive behavior. The research demonstrated that the ingestion of hot and spicy cuisine is correlated with an increased propensity for impulsiveness and heightened emotional responses. Furthermore, complementary insights emerged from a study conducted by Xue Wang et al, shows a positive correlation between the consumption of spicy food and risk taking behavior.
This dual perspective underscores the multifaceted influence of spicy foods on human behavior.
While I do not claim expertise as a researcher delving into the dynamics of how food impacts our daily routines, I have observed a pattern in my own behavior. When confronted with low emotion, my instinctive response invariably leads me towards indulging in sweets such as candy, ice cream, or chocolate. Whether this inclination is supported by compelling scientific research remains uncertain in my personal knowledge. However, what I can confidently assert is that this action is not unique to me; it extends to my circle of friends as well. Hence, it seems plausible to say that the consumption of sweets possesses the capacity to uplift our mood.
On the other hand, the profound impact of food on our psychological well-being and moods is evident in the diverse culinary landscapes found across Indonesia, particularly on Java Island. Each city exhibits its unique characteristics, shaping not only the culinary experience but also the temperament of its inhabitants.
Take Jogja, for instance, where a pervasive sweetness defines the local palate. Even dishes supposedly spiced still bear a distinctly sweet undertone, contributing to the perception of Jogja’s people as amiable and quick to share a smile — essentially, individuals with a sweet disposition.
In contrast, my upbringing in a city renowned for its penchant for sour and spicy flavors has instilled a cultural temperament that could be described as hot-headed and expressive.
The bustling metropolis of Jakarta introduces an entirely different culinary and lifestyle dynamic. Here, the relentless pace of urban life is reflected in the hurried approach to dining. It is a rarity to witness individuals savoring their meals; instead, the most bustling sections of the food court during lunch are those offering fast food or dishes conveniently consumed with one hand. The prevailing ethos appears to prioritize efficiency, with people often multitasking — engaged in mobile phones or perpetually tethered to laptops.
Comparing this urban hustle to the more laid-back dining culture of my hometown, where college friends take the time to truly relish their meals, leisurely smoke cigarettes, and seemingly exist outside the relentless march of time, reveals a stark contrast. The rapid rhythm of life in Jakarta often feels overwhelming to me, as the societal norm emphasizes speed over savoring, leaving little room for the unhurried appreciation of the culinary experience. This comparison underscores the diverse and nuanced relationship between food and the psychological landscapes of different regions, adding depth to the understanding of how our culinary choices shape not only our palates but also our broader cultural and psychological dispositions.
The interchange of food and feelings.
As mentioned before, food possesses the remarkable ability to serve as a conduit to our roots and home. This sentiment became apparent one Saturday afternoon, marking the third month since my relocation. Overwhelmed by a sudden yearning for the distinctive flavors of East Java, the particular unique taste imparted by fermented shrimp paste. After hours of online exploration and consulting with relatives, I determined the most genuine experience awaited me at a street vendor six minutes away from the southern train station.
Upon arrival and the subsequent placing of my order, an unexpected wave of nostalgia swept over me, reminiscent of the animated character Anton Ego in “Ratatouille.” This dish, infused with familial memories, transported me back to shared moments with loved ones. What heightened the poignancy of this culinary escapade was the surrounding ambiance and the linguistic connection with the vendors; they spoke my native language.
The take it for granted.
Take it from Anthon Ego, I leaerend how powerful food to our souls. Among the sizzling sound of hot wok and fire crackles around Samba Street, those smells bring back my core memory where mom usually dancing around the kitchen preparing food for our dinner, no matter how long her day was echoes with the laughter of my dad making fun of me and my brother. This whole scenery was always become the background of my formative's year.
The dishes that adorned our family table, beautifully crafted by loving hands our moms, become more than just sustenance, they transform into vessels of nostalgia, capturing the essence of home, even if home was never about a fixed place.
It’s a bittersweet realization that the flavors we hold dear are often the ones we took for granted.
Those daily rituals of meals prepared with love, seemingly mundane at the time, become the cornerstone of our culinary identity. It’s only as the passage of time distances us from those familiar settings that we realize the profound impact these dishes have had on our sense of belonging.
