In investigating ways in which people express their cultural identity, nothing is as undeniable as food. Food is rooted in history and social behavior, and despite globalization, speaks strongly about a particular community of people. As generations have dispersed and as recent migrants have settled, specialist food stores and restaurants provide an important connection to their place of origin. Helping to maintain a connection to heritage for many communities in Glasgow.

African-Caribbean food stores are known to provide fresh, frozen, and pantry items often difficult to source in mainstream supermarket chains. Even when they are, they occasionally have marked up prices. There is something significant about having that representation and acknowledgement. There is contentment in having access to those familiar ingredients. There is joy in being able to recreate familiar dishes and then being able to share them with others. You can’t overlook these ‘third spaces’ of social infrastructure, or the opportunity for entrepreneurship they have provided.

My research looks at the distribution of African-Caribbean food stores, restaurants, and takeaways across the Glasgow city centre. Compiling quotes on people’s relationship between food and Glasgow.

Key Themes: Food, Identity, Community