It’s natural for foods to evoke powerful emotions in us. From aroma to texture to taste, there is something about the fully sensory experience of a meal or ingredient that triggers our deepest memories.
We’re especially fascinated by how in every culture, beloved ingredients or foods often evoke or are associated with certain emotions, mindsets or beliefs.
Today, using designs from our Bites of the World collection, we’ve created a fun little guide to match your emotion of the moment to a favorite food-related cultural expression.
Match Your Emotion
For when you’re feeling extra-confident about yourself…
German Saying: “Show the chocolate side (Schokoladenseite zeigen)“
This classic treat is famously loved in Germany. Fittingly, when you’re showing the “chocolate” side, you are deliberately winning hearts by making the best impression.
For when you can’t stop falling in love…
French Saying: “To have the heart of an artichoke (Avoir un cœur d’artichaut)“
Do you often give away your heart easily to new people? Or are at the fickle whims of someone who does? Then you or that someone might be said to have an “artichoke heart.”
For when you’re feeling regretful that something didn’t go your way…
Italian Saying: “Not all doughnuts come out with a hole (Non tutte le ciambelle riescono col buco)”
Sometimes, things don’t work out. But you might be comforted by this expression, which captures the Italian philosophy of “perfection is not always possible… but that’s okay.”
For when you’re feeling grateful for small kindnesses…
Turkish Saying: “A cup of coffee has 40 years of memory (Bir fincan kahvenin kırk yıl hatırı vardır)“
Sometimes, even a tiny gesture from a friend, acquaintance or even stranger can brighten your day. This Turkish expression celebrates the ability of such actions to lift one’s heart.
For when you’re happily taking the time to cook for yourself (or loved ones)…
Chinese Saying: “7 daily necessities: firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, tea (開門七件事: 柴米油鹽醬醋茶)”
Every meal is in need of certain staples. If you’re reaching for your pantry essentials, it might be fascinating to know that in ancient China, there were 7 must-haves in every kitchen.
For when you’re feeling appreciative for your abundance…
Vietnamese Saying: “When eating a fruit, remember who planted the tree (Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây)“
For those moments of reflection, this Vietnamese expression gives thanks to those who came before you, and who have made the good things in your life possible.
We hope at least one of these expressions resonated with you!
