Gastronationalism in dialogue or dispute? Offer of Venezuelan Food in Mexico City during the Twenty-first Century

Abstract

Foodways have been regularly described as a set of ideas and practices that contribute to the creation of a community. These different expressions, however, do not work independently, but coincide with foodways of other communities. For people that migrate, foodways are one of several ways to create links with the place of origin while trying to find a place in a new environment. The offer of Venezuelan food in restaurants and food trucks in Mexico City is a way to analyse the encounter of at least to gastronationalisms. With this perspective, it is argued that while the long tradition of Mexican culinary pride has helped to create a sense of shared identity (not without its limitations), it has also minimized other culinary expressions such as that from Venezuelans.