I have no idea, but for a long time, I have wanted to get my thoughts about the subject on this blog, in the hope that it might spark debate… Here’s to hoping!…
I suppose the only way you can approach answering this question is by defining what exactly is meant by ‘favourite’. Do we mean specific foodstuff (e.g. broccoli)? Do we mean a specific meal (e.g. chilli con carne)? Do we mean specific cuisine (e.g. Italian)? Do we mean the favourite food or item that works best as an offering to others (eg. a chilli gift box or a casserole)? Do we mean favourite according to Western tastes, or some sort of snapshot of the whole world? Let me answer that one for you: we are looking for the favourite specific meal (e.g. chilli con carne) for Europe and America. To put it bluntly: the meal that, if the whole of Europe and America were on death row, was asked for the highest number of times as a final meal.
Right, tough one…
The reason I started writing this article was that I was doing some reading up on emergency preparedness (as you do), and I stumbled across an emergency food website specialising in freeze dried food. So I started thinking if I found myself amid a zombie apocalypse and I had to raid my stash of emergency food, would I be happy with chicken korma?
This particular website features a menu that includes items like chicken tikka, chicken korma, spaghetti bolognese, lasagne, chili, ‘Mediterranean’ pasta, and macaroni cheese. One could argue that this menu serves as a barometer, reflecting the culinary desires of our developed society. It’s astounding to observe the profound influence of Asian and Mediterranean cooking on our collective palate.
The widespread popularity of fast food staples like hamburgers, pizza, and French fries can be attributed to their accessibility, quick preparation, affordability, and on-the-go enjoyment. For instance, preparing a hamburger requires just a few ingredients, a few minutes, and a hot grill set to the burger temp that is ideal for fast cooking. Similarly, a pizza can be quickly prepared in a pizza oven, while French fries can be fried in a matter of seconds. All of these foods are convenient, easy to eat, and relatively inexpensive.
However, despite their affordability, such foods carry significant health risks. They are often laden with unhealthy fats and excessive calories, contributing to health concerns like elevated cholesterol levels, increased blood pressure, and rapid weight gain. This pattern of weight gain can quickly escalate into obesity, a major risk factor for a host of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
In such cases, managing weight effectively becomes crucial to mitigating these risks, requiring a comprehensive approach that includes dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, weight loss medications. Among the various options available for weight management, innovative treatments such as Mounjaro weight loss injections have emerged. These medications, when used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can offer a new avenue for individuals struggling with obesity and related health issues, providing support on their weight loss journey. It’s important to remember that while weight loss medications like these can be effective, they should be part of a broader lifestyle change that emphasizes healthy eating and exercise for long-term health benefits.
Coming back to the popularity of fast foods, I can evidently say that individuals who enjoy them often have a curiosity for and interest in trying other cuisines. The appeal of quick, affordable, and convenient options doesn’t negate the desire for diverse culinary experiences beyond the realm of traditional fast food.
In my opinion, while the timeless appeal of hamburgers, pizzas, and hot dogs endures, the recent surge in gourmet variations signals a dynamic and ever-evolving gastronomic scene in the West. The increasing interest in Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, showcased by dishes like chicken tikka, various pasta options, and chili, reflects a Western inclination toward diverse and flavorful culinary experiences.
Whether seeking comfort in a classic cheeseburger or indulging in an artisanal hot dog with unique toppings, Western culinary choices continue to evolve – driven by a blend of nostalgia, health consciousness, and an adventurous palate. The diverse menu offerings showcased even in emergency food kits serve as a testament to the eclectic and ever-expanding tapestry of tastes that define the contemporary Western dining experience.
In summary, the hamburger, despite iterations from fast food to gourmet, remains an quintessentially Western meal. Satisfying, nutritionally sound in moderation, and customizable to suit most tastes, the humble hamburger continues to endure as a signature Western dining experience blending familiarity with innovation. Its portability and near-universal appeal solidify its status as a defining Western food.