Taste is important! An analysis of the food habits of Pakistani immigrants in Venice, Italy, using a qualitative method

Abstract

This study aims to explore the food habits of Pakistani immigrants in Venice, Italy. The primary objective is to understand how these individuals adapt to the local food culture and what factors influence their dietary practices. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including both qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey. The findings highlight that Pakistani immigrants' food habits are influenced by several factors, including their cultural background, religious beliefs, and financial constraints. Furthermore, the study reveals that while Pakistani immigrants tend to maintain some of their traditional dietary practices, they also adapt to the local food culture and incorporate Italian cuisine into their diets. Finally, the study illustrates that Pakistani immigrants face several challenges in accessing halal food and maintaining their dietary customs in Italy. The results of this study have significant implications for policymakers and food industry professionals, as they highlight the need for more diversified food options for immigrants and the promotion of cultural awareness in the Italian food industry. Furthermore, because of the numerous calamities brought on by the current phase of global change, including food scarcity, the loss of biodiversity, and the escalating frequency of extreme events, it is critical to understand the food beliefs of migrants to propose solutions to the problems that are becoming more and more prevalent. Changes in eating habits are significantly influenced by factors such as income, education, religion, and food views, as well as by factors such as immigrant generation. Thirty separate semi-structured interviews with Pakistani immigrants will be conducted in Venice, Italy, between February 2023 to April 2023. To collect opinions on vegetable consumption and selling as a career, the research was restricted to 10 sellers and an equal number of men and women consumers. According to the study's data, traditional vegetables' culinary applications and taste assessments are profoundly biocultural. Depending on the person's experiences, their perception of taste can alter frequently while during the stay in the host country. Even though vegetables grown in Pakistan have a different flavor from those grown in Italy, the greatest gratification comes from the availability of vegetables grown in Pakistan, which ultimately helps people maintain their own culture.