The Metamorphosis of Greek Cuisine: An Ethnography of Deli Foods, Restaurant Smells and Foodways of Crisis

This book explores how cuisine and identity are shaped in contemporary Athens by the transformation of rural foods and traditional dishes. It demonstrates how cuisine emerges from complex social spaces, combining intellectual and aesthetic endeavors with embodied memories and social relations. It will be of interest to scholars and students in Anthropology and Food Studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the aftermath of the financial crisis that struck Athens in the mid-2015s, a remarkable transformation has taken place in the realm of rural foods and traditional dishes. Forgotten culinary treasures from the past have been resurrected and transformed into exquisite artisanal creations, while iconic traditional dishes have undergone a metamorphosis, finding their way into the fine-dining establishments of the city. The question that arises is: how and why is this culinary renaissance unfolding in a city known for its poverty, hardship, and economic challenges?

To answer this question, the book employs a rich ethnographic approach, immersing the reader in the sensory world of upscale delis and the intricate kitchens of fine-dining restaurants. Through vivid sensory descriptions and extensive ethnographic material, it delves into the complex interplay of cuisine, tradition, memory, and identity. It explores the cultural logic and social aspects of cuisine, shedding light on how it emerges from diverse and often contradictory social spaces.

The book demonstrates that cuisine is not merely an intellectual and aesthetic endeavor of chefs but a deeply intertwined phenomenon with embodied memories and embedded in social relations and commensality. It reveals how cuisine emerges as a means of expressing cultural heritage, connecting the country and the city, and fostering a sense of community.

This book will be of immense interest to scholars and students in the fields of Anthropology and Food Studies, offering a valuable insight into the dynamic relationship between cuisine, culture, and society. It will inspire further exploration of the ways in which food shapes our identities, memories, and relationships, and how it contributes to the broader social fabric of our world.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032341811