64.Food and cooking

Q.1 What food do you (people in your country) eat on special occasions?

Q.2 What is the difference between special food in your country and other countries?

Ans-On special occasions, I try to eat beautifully presented dishes, because, you know, it just makes the celebration feel more festive. I usually enjoy roast meats like chicken or beef, which are served nicely with colorful sides, such as fresh salads or roasted vegetables. Sometimes there are traditional family recipes, which are always a bit special because of the way they're presented. For dessert, I love festive cakes or chocolate treats that are arranged really attractively... it almost feels like a small piece of art. And of course, drinks are important too, like sparkling juice or tea served in nice glasses. Overall, the presentation and colors make the meal feel unique and memorable, not just ordinary food.

Q.3 Why do many people like to spend a lot of money on food on special days?

Ans-The reason is obvious. Food and festivities go hand in hand. The main reason why we celebrate is to commemorate a special occasion, share that special moment with people we love, and remember this occasion in the future. When we celebrate, we are kinda placing a mental bookmark on this experience. And the things we remember best are those connected to positive emotions. The thing is that food brings a double dose of pleasure to our brain. The better food, the more pleasure.

That's why buying a lot of delicious food (which also means spending a lot of money) is one of the easiest ways to create happy lasting memories for people. So if you think of any celebration, deciding a menu is the first thing that comes to your mind.

Plus, the food that the host offers is a gesture of love shown to people they care about. And in some cases, food indicates the status, power and wealth of individuals. That's why many people spend a lot of money on food when they celebrate special occasions.

Q.4 What do you think of people using their mobile phones during a meal?

Ans-Honestly, I think it's a bit rude when you use your phone during a meal, especially if you're eating with friends or family. It's like you're more interested in your phone than in the people around you. I mean, meals are supposed to be a time to talk and enjoy each other's company, right? But at the same time, I get it - sometimes you might need to check something important, like a message or a call. As long as it doesn't happen all the time, I guess it's not that bad. But still, I'd prefer if everyone just focused on the meal and the people they're with.

Q.5 Do you think it's good to communicate when eating with your family?

Ans-Yes. Talking while eating brings everyone closer because when people communicate during meals, they can share their thoughts and feelings. It's a good way to stay connected and understand each other better. In today's busy world, meals are often the only time when everyone in the family can sit down together and talk about important things. So, even though the food itself isn't the main thing, it creates the perfect setting for bonding. That's why meals are so special. They give families the chance to talk, laugh, and be close, even if they're busy the rest of the day.

Q.6 More and more people are unwilling to cook. Why is this happening?

Ans-Well, I guess it's, first of all, happening so because more and more people are time-pressed these days while cooking is time consuming and takes too much effort after a long day's work. It involves not only cooking itself but also grocery shopping, which takes too long and often requires multiple trips to different stores, and deciding what to cook, which is too much of a burden as requires a lot of planning. Secondly, people nowadays simply don't bother about cooking as there are so many other choices like fast food, takeaway or frozen dishes that can be microwaved any moment they want to eat. One more reason I can mention is the fact that many young people lack confidence and skills in the kitchen and, as a result, feel ill-equipped to cook giving their preference to eating out.