Insider Perspective
The subculture that I choose to identify with is the renowned Asian street food culture. As people walk around the Asian streets, they will come across bustling streets filled with food aromas and scenes. The experience of getting Asian street food begins with you as the insider navigating these streets and having many alternative cuisines to try. As an insider, a person is usually aware of various flavors, tastes, and ingredients in many foods, making the decision complex (Mills, 2019). Insiders always appreciate the alternative they opt for, whether grilled meat or fried snacks, as the aromas and tastes are likely to influence feelings and bring multisensory delight.
Outsider Experience
Experiencing the Asian culture by trying the continent’s street food gives the outsider buyer a different experience from that of an insider. The buyers will likely wander along the streets, confused about the option they are to go for; this is an eye-opening experience that makes them better understand Asian culture. Outsiders are often surprised by unique tastes, unfamiliar recipes, and the friendliness of those who sell street foods (Pilato et al., 2021). The experience of seeing vendors prepare and serve the food makes the dishes more authentic for outsiders. Outsiders can appreciate the region’s culinary diversity by trying sushi, Thai, and banh mi dishes.
Importance of Both Insider and Outsider Perspectives
Adopting insider and outsider perspectives fosters a person’s comprehensive understanding of the Asian food culture. An insider is aware of the significance of street food in supporting the local economy, preserving traditions, and creating social bonds within the communities. Adopting the outsider perspective helps a person understand the culture compared to other norms and fosters appreciation of the diversity of cultures. The outsider can appreciate how the power of food links communities and people across the borders in the region.
References
Mills, M. B. (2019). Cookbook confidential: global appetites, culinary fantasies, and Thai food. Food, Culture & Society, 22(1), 26-44. Web.
Pilato, M., Platania, M., & Séraphin, H. (2021). Connecting locals and visitors: The case of street food. In F. Grasso & B. S. Sergi (Eds.), Tourism in the Mediterranean Sea (pp. 257-277). Emerald Publishing Limited. Web.