How Newcastle University’s Culinary Melting Pot Fosters Cultural Understanding
Food has always been a universal language that bridges cultures and brings people together. Here at Newcastle University, that truth is lived out daily in the student halls. Because the student community is such a vibrant melting pot of cultures, where people from across the globe find connection, comfort, and community through the simple act of sharing a meal. From aromatic curries to hearty stews, each dish tells a story – of home, of heritage, and of new friendships forged over steaming pots and sizzling pans.
We’ve spoken to students who’ve found a taste of home in a foreign land, and simultaneously embarked on culinary adventures, sampling flavours they never knew existed. In fact, for most international students, the taste of home becomes a precious commodity in a foreign land. And these moments of sharing their food with others not only satisfies homesickness but also create bridges of understanding.
And for some students like Jeremy, food truly proves to be the only tool at his disposal to fight negative stereotypes associated with his hometown and show people his generosity.
Additionally, it’s beautiful to understand the perspective of someone who has got the privilege of eating a meal made with love, from someone else’s culture. Naomi, a native British student noted how tasting her friend’s Thai curry really felt like.
” I feel like I’m getting a glimpse into their worlds, their families, their traditions. It’s made me appreciate their cultures in a way I never could have just from reading about them.”
It turns out so many students have found themselves on unexpected culinary adventures this past year at University, their taste buds awakened to flavours they never even knew existed. Preconceived notions broken, new friendships are formed over sharing a simple bowl of curry or a delectable plate of mango sticky rice. Its almost wonderous to think that had these people not made the journey all the way to Newcastle, this part of them, that they now hold so dear, would forever remain undiscovered. These culinary discoveries have now also led to broader cultural exploration. As Ali notes with a joyous laughter,
“Trying my friend’s Indian food made me curious about Indian culture as a whole. I found out so many similarities between Iranian and Indian culture and food. Now we’re planning a trip there together after graduation because I am so interested to taste all the other foods she keeps talking about and the Parsi cafes of Bombay which I now have to see in person!”
These stories all paint a picture of a vibrant, diverse community, united by the universal joy of good food and good company. It is indeed refreshing to see these young people cooking up connections, one shared meal at a time. And It’s a reminder that sometimes, the quickest way to someone’s heart – and to cross-cultural understanding – is through their stomach.