Reading about food is almost as enjoyable as eating food. I never realized how often I click on food-related articles all day long until I took this class. I usually have several food tabs open, waiting until the end of the day when I have time to peruse what caught my fancy throughout the day. Here are two articles that have wandered through my brain time and again since originally reading them. Add them to your food-reading tab queue; they’re worth it!

Jerusalem  on a Plate: Identity, Tradition, and Ownership by Yotam Ottolenghi 

My mental image of the Middle East is often limited to what I see on the news, which leaves me with a very color-neutral, war-torn, depressing image. When my parents traveled to Jerusalem earlier this year, I was so surprised by their pictures. The city looked like a tropical oasis with vibrant nearby seas, lush nature, and an array of colorful, unique architecture. Reading this article confirmed this latter description of the holy city. I appreciated Yotam Ottolenghi’s perspective and approach to both food and his city of heritage. His rich descriptions of childhood memories as a Jew in Jerusalem parallel that of his friend (and co-author of a Jerusalem cookbook) who grew up muslim in the same city. He focuses on commonalities in the article and describes cultural traditions and experiences relating to food. He leaves out politics, offering readers a refreshing chance to learn more about a city and culture that is often only viewed through the lens of religion and politics.

Tea Tuesday: Meet the Chai Wallahs of India by Layla Eplett 

I found this article while researching chai. Chai is a rich tea (and the word also means tea) that can be found on every corner in India where it is peddled by “chai wallahs.” This NPR article explores the world of chai wallahs through the eyes of Resham Gellatly and Zach Marks. Gellatly and Marks are journalists who set out on an eight month journey to travel through India and meet the country’s wallahs. This article is peppered with large, high-quality pictures paired with brief stories and quotes. The photojournalism enhances the article’s focus and invites readers to take a journey alongside the journalists to learn about the nation’s favorite drink.