Balinese Food


Tonight I had one of the best meals I have ever had! We went to a Balinese food restaurant which was exciting because I had never had this type of food before. Let me describe it to you, we were given a large bowl of rice and were able to dish up on that. Then the servers placed four different curry-like dishes in front of us all with different colors, meats, and spices. Some were more warm flavors while others had a fresher, herby taste. Some were spicy and hot, while others were mild and sweet. They also served hard boiled eggs in a red tangy sauce and skewers covered in a dark thick peanut sauce. Is your mouth watering right now because mine is! It was such a fun meal and such a different style of eating. 

The reason this food is so culturally important is because in the 17th-18th century the Dutch East India company essentially  took over east india. Certain islands are where they got new spices like pepper and nutmeg. They brought them back to Amsterdam and would make dishes that the rich and powerful would eat. They would have four courses and even dessert. This was the result of colonialism and trying to show off power. It often resulted in excess and could be morally questionable, but it did bring more exotic foods to europe. It also brought more flavor and spice which I absolutely love!

I feel like this contributes to the city’s status as a cultural capital because back in the past it showed the power and might and wealth of the Dutch East India company. Now it contributes because it brings in a multicultural aspect to the food scene. We were told that this part of Europe is the only place where you can experience a Balinese rice bar in this way with so much variety of dishes. Uniqueness is a key to creating a cultural capital. Also, having variety is such an important part of every culture and city. It gives a city a richer atmosphere and I believe that it elevates the city. 


Comments

  1. Theresa BellMay 10, 2024 at 9:24 PM

    I love this Anna! I think your commentary on the contribution of Balinese food and Amsterdam's culture to the multicultural food scene would be great to use for question 5 on the final. I completely agree that uniqueness is key to create a cultural capital. Amsterdam has cultivated such an interesting and diverse cultural scene.

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  2. Betsy JonesMay 10, 2024 at 10:05 PM

    I love your post Anna! Your comments on how it helps Amsterdam to be a more diverse and multicultural place will be perfect for answering question five on the city's final! I agree that having a place like this in a city is a great way to keep the city unique and have a richer atmosphere. It definitely seems like a very welcoming and diverse place.

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  3. Lilly PetersonMay 10, 2024 at 11:35 PM

    This is awesome, the food was soo good! I think that you do a great job of describing how food is such an important part of culture and how Balinese food specifically in Amsterdam has played such an important role. I like that you discuss how it came to Amsterdam because of the Dutch East India company. Balinese food is such a great example of how cultures travel from one place to another and I think that is a big part of how cultural capitals strengthen their position.

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