Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation in the World of Cuisine

Imagine a chef who tries a traditional Thai dish while traveling and is inspired by its bold, vibrant flavors. When they return home, they create their own version, adding a twist to suit local tastes. The dish becomes a hit, but something feels off—there’s no mention of its origins or the culture behind it.

Did the chef respectfully honor the dish, or did they appropriate it?

This scenario captures a growing debate in the culinary world. Food, like art, is a reflection of culture, history, and identity. But what happens when cultural dishes are reinterpreted without acknowledgment or respect? The line between appropriation and appreciation can be blurry, but understanding the difference is essential for chefs, food creators, and even diners because it ensures cultural traditions are respected and preserved rather than exploited.

If you’re curious about how to navigate this tricky topic, keep reading as we explore:

What cultural appropriation in food looks like.
How cultural appreciation can preserve and celebrate traditions.
Practical tips for chefs, food creators, and consumers to approach food with respect.

By the end, you’ll understand how to celebrate global cuisines without erasing their cultural roots.

Defining cultural appropriation in food

First things first: what is cultural appropriation? It happens when elements of one culture, like traditions or practices, are taken and used by another, often without acknowledgment or respect. This can strip those elements of their original meaning, turning them into commodities or trends while disregarding the culture they come from. Though it might seem harmless, cultural appropriation can perpetuate stereotypes, exploit marginalized groups, and erase the contributions of those who created it.

In food, cultural appropriation occurs when recipes, ingredients, or cooking methods are used without understanding their origins or crediting the culture. Instead of honoring a dish’s history and traditions, it’s often altered and repackaged for profit, losing its authenticity along the way.

Examples of how this can happen include:

Commercialization without credit: Traditional dishes like Vietnamese pho or Mexican tacos are sold by major corporations without recognizing their cultural roots or benefiting the communities that created them.
Mislabeling or stereotyping: Labeling a dish as “Asian-inspired” while mixing unrelated ingredients, like soy sauce and curry, oversimplifies and disrespects diverse cuisines.

A clear example of this is British chef Jamie Oliver’s 2018 product, “Punchy Jerk Rice.” Critics, including UK politician Dawn Butler, pointed out that "jerk" refers to a specific Jamaican cooking style deeply rooted in cultural heritage, not just a generic flavor. They argued that using the term casually to market a rice dish without proper context disrespected its cultural significance. The incident highlighted how misusing cultural elements for commercial gain can erase their true meaning.

What does cultural appreciation in food look like?

Cultural appreciation in food, on the other hand, involves respecting, learning about, and honoring the culinary practices of different cultures. It means going beyond the flavors and exploring the stories, techniques, and people behind the dishes.

Examples of appreciation include:

Highlighting origins: Restaurants or food creators that include the history and significance of dishes on menus or in marketing materials show respect for their cultural importance.
Collaborating with experts: Chefs who partner with individuals from the culture they’re representing can ensure authenticity. For instance, a chef launching a menu inspired by Ethiopian cuisine could work with Ethiopian chefs to preserve traditional methods.
Sharing credit: Food influencers who recreate recipes from other cultures often highlight the original creators, adding links to their work and sharing the historical background of the dishes.

A great example of cultural appreciation in the culinary world is Guerilla Tacos in Los Angeles, founded by Chef Wes Avila. Originally a taco truck, it has grown into a celebrated restaurant that honors Mexican culinary traditions while innovating with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Signature dishes like the Sweet Potato Taco, featuring Oaxacan cheese and unique sauces, reflect a blend of traditional roots and modern creativity.

By respecting the heritage of Mexican cuisine and engaging with local farmers, Guerilla Tacos exemplifies how cultural appreciation can preserve authenticity while embracing innovation.

How can chefs and food creators be more respectful?

Professional chefs, restaurateurs, and food creators play a key role in shaping how cultures are represented through food. Here's what respectful culinary practices look like:

Take time to learn the history and significance behind dishes from other cultures. For example, Mexican mole isn't just a sauce—it's a dish deeply tied to cultural and religious traditions. Understanding this background helps chefs present it authentically.
Responsible chefs acknowledge the cultural origins of their dishes. For instance, a chef offering ramen-inspired dishes should explain its Japanese roots while sharing how they've reimagined it.
Strong culinary programs collaborate with cultural experts. For example, if a restaurant features Caribbean flavors, working with Caribbean chefs or spice producers brings genuine knowledge and respect to the menu.
Transparent chefs share their learning journey with diners. When experimenting with dishes from other cultures, they explain their inspiration and efforts to respect traditions.
Authentic culinary programs avoid adding dishes just because they're trendy. Instead, they focus on meaningful representation by giving dishes the time, care, and context they deserve.

How consumers can support respectful practices

The choices we make as diners can shape how restaurants approach cultural representation. Here are key ways to encourage respectful culinary practices:

When choosing where to dine, seek out restaurants that celebrate their cultural heritage. For example, Junzi, a Chinese fast-casual chain, incorporates Chinese characters on its menu and provides detailed explanations of ingredients, helping diners understand and appreciate the authentic elements of the cuisine rather than relying on simplified versions.
Consider dining at family-owned establishments that have preserved their culinary traditions across generations. Many of these restaurants offer dishes made with techniques and recipes passed down through families, maintaining authentic flavors and practices.
Take time to understand the dishes you enjoy. Before ordering that bowl of pho or plate of injera, learn about its significance in Vietnamese or Ethiopian cuisine. This knowledge enriches both the dining experience and cultural understanding.
Share thoughtful feedback when restaurants miss the mark on cultural representation. When blogger Arielle Haspel opened Lucky Lee's with marketing that described Chinese food as making people feel "bloated and icky," public feedback led her to acknowledge her mistakes and retract those culturally insensitive descriptions. Constructive criticism can help restaurants better understand how to respectfully represent the cuisines they serve.

Conclusion

Food is one of the most powerful ways to connect with cultures, but it must be approached with respect and understanding. While cultural appropriation diminishes the rich history behind traditional dishes, appreciation uplifts and preserves their legacy.

When both chefs and diners approach food with care and curiosity—taking time to learn about traditions, credit origins, and support authentic practices—meals become bridges between cultures. Through these mindful choices, we can ensure the culinary world celebrates its rich diversity while honoring the communities that created these traditions.