• Food and Gastronomy -> International cuisine and ethnic cooking

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Is international cuisine becoming too commercialized and losing its authenticity?

Jordi Leebeter

In my opinion, international cuisine is definitely becoming more commercialized, but I wouldn't say it's necessarily losing its authenticity.

I think that with the rise of globalization and the ease of travel and communication, more and more people are being exposed to different types of cuisine from around the world. This is great because it allows for a greater cultural exchange and appreciation for different foods and flavors. However, with this increased popularity comes a need for the food to be more accessible and affordable, which often means that restaurants will compromise on quality or authenticity in order to appeal to a wider audience.

I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, as long as people are aware that they are not necessarily getting the most traditional or authentic experience. It's important to remember that what we consider to be "authentic" may vary greatly depending on the region and cultural background. For example, if a Mexican restaurant in the United States serves a milder version of salsa, it's not necessarily losing its authenticity, it's simply catering to the tastes of its customers.

That being said, I do think it's important for restaurants to be transparent about the origins of their dishes and to give credit to the cultures they are drawing inspiration from. It's also important for them to use high-quality ingredients and stay true to the basic techniques and flavors of the cuisine. This way, even if the dish isn't 100% authentic, it will still be a delicious representation of the cuisine.

At the end of the day, I think it's up to the individual to decide what they value more - authenticity or accessibility. Some people may be purists and only want the most traditional experience possible, while others may be willing to compromise a bit for the sake of convenience or cost. Either way, as long as we continue to appreciate and learn from different cultures through their food, I think international cuisine will continue to thrive and evolve.