Ancillary 7
I believe that Ethiopian food does not translate as well into America as other country’s food due to its difficulty being assimilated into American culture. Other cultures’ foods, such as Mexican food and Chinese food are easier to be “Americanized” because of the style they are eaten and the ingredients they have. Many of the Mexican or Chinese restaurants in America are far from authentic and their food has changed to be more palatable to Americans. For example, there are lots of restaurants that are “Tex-Mex” style, which draws inspiration from Mexican food but is very different from authentic food.
It is harder to do this with Ethiopian food for many reasons. The ingredients, flavors, and textures of Ethiopian food are unlike those we often consume in America. A lot of their food is in a soft texture and is unlike the other textures we consume here. However, the main difference between Ethiopian food and American food is the way it is consumed. Ethiopian food is eaten family-style using injera, a thin, sour flatbread to pick up the food. This is unlike American food, which is eaten with a fork and knife, and usually, during meals, people order separate plates.
Meals in Ethiopia are more of a time to spend with others, while in America, meals can be more isolated and rushed due to the style of eating. I think Ethiopian food is really good and I wish it was more popular it but most people that don’t have a connection to the country have not tried it. Since Ethiopian food has not been Americanized, most of the restaurants are run by Ethiopian people and the food is very authentic. This can be intimidating to Americans because they might not know what to order and there could be a language barrier. Indian food is usually authentic, similarly to Ethiopian food, but Tikki masala is such a popular go-to dish that Americans can feel comfortable ordering it at a restaurant. There is not a popular Ethiopian dish like that, and since everything is so different than we are accustomed to eating in America, most people don’t try it.
