Diasporic Tastes capes: Intersections of Culinary Practices, Diasporic Identity and Nostalgia in Selected South Asian Narratives

Abstract

 This research article explores how and why the culinary practices bind together to recreate an identity in diaspora. To understand such practices, this study creates a comparative analysis of "When Mr. Pirzada Came to Dine" by Jhumpa Lahiri and "Sweet Rice" by Aamer Hussein. Both the stories reflect upon the diverse culture of South Asia. The region of South Asia is a mix of cultures, religions, languages and ethnicities that is the result of its great historical empires, invasions, colonization and migration. Therefore, South Asian cuisine also varies from culture to culture, and religion to religion. In South Asian Literature there is always a mention of particular food items which reflect the characters or background of stories. The very common theme of diaspora literature is longing for homeland and identity crisis, which is reflected through the use of food in literature. In the short stories, subject to discussion, both the major characters Mr. Pirzada and Shireen, long for their own culture and identity back at home, and attempt to discover their inner happiness by cooking their traditional food or by dining in familial environment.