Pakistan’s digital ‘Museum of Food’ launched

The British Council, Google Arts & Culture, and filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on Tuesday unveiled Pakistan’s “Museum of Food,” a digital hub showcasing the nation’s varied gastronomic environment.

Pakistan’s digital ‘Museum Food’ launched: The digital centre bills itself as the “largest and most comprehensive exploration of Pakistani cuisine online” and will include over 9,000 photographs, videos, tales, and recipes that illustrate Pakistan’s rich culinary heritage.

According to the press release, the project intends to “preserve and celebrate the culture and heritage of Pakistani food, as well as to document its dynamic evolution and progression”.

The statement quoted project director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as saying, “Pakistan’s culinary heritage is an intrinsic part of the country’s cultural identity, but with the passing of generations and the challenges brought on by climate change, certain domestic practises and traditional recipes are at high risk of being lost.”

“In response to this impending crisis, we set out on a mission to actively preserve and reinvigorate the disappearing recipes and traditions that characterise our past, rather than just daydreaming about the tastes of the past.

“We hope that this project will inspire people to explore, appreciate, and enjoy the vibrant culinary culture, lineage, and food practises of Pakistan, as well as to contribute their own stories and recipes to this living narrative.”

“Exploring Pakistan’s Diverse Food Culture: A Journey with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy”

In the process of creating the resource, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and her team visited a number of locations, including Gwadar, Multan, and Hunza in northern Pakistan where they looked at the creative use of yak meat.

The team also looked at how Pakistan’s geography and regional topography shape its unique eating habits.

“We’re thrilled to unveil our latest exhibition on Google Arts & Culture dedicated to the vibrant flavours and rich culture of Pakistan,” continued Amit Sood, the director and founder of Google Arts & Culture.

Pakistan’s food reflects a variety of topographies and cultural traditions, spanning from the northern mountains to the southern bazaars.

“Food cultures give us insights into people’s customs, agricultural traditions, climatic conditions, and their flora and fauna,” stated Laila Jamil, Director of Arts Pakistan at the British Council.

They also directly affect our health, the health of the world, and our perception of ourselves.