Nowadays, the traditions and customs relating to the food we eat and the way we eat are changing. Why is this happening? Do you think this kind of change is positive or negative?

Sample 1:

In the contemporary era, culinary practices have become a topic of discussion, with some asserting that traditional food and dietary habits have undergone modifications. From my perspective, this matter, rooted in various factors, yields significant adverse consequences.

Primarily, the substantial impact of social media is a key factor that markedly transforms our daily dietary habits. Technological advancements have facilitated the widespread dissemination of diverse culinary techniques. For example, sushi, originating in Japan, has garnered immense popularity worldwide through social media, captivating non-Japanese individuals and enticing them to experience its exceptional flavors and aroma. As a result, this issue has implications, encompassing both advantages and disadvantages for all nations.

Specifically, the globalization of culinary practices has provided a diverse array of food choices for individuals. Owing to the availability of recipes on the internet, individuals can now access information about dishes from every corner of the world. Conversely, this phenomenon poses a threat to the preservation of certain traditional cuisines. For instance, in Vietnam, the increasing enthusiasm among the younger generation for foreign cuisines like Korean and Japanese has led to the potential fading of its culinary heritage, exemplified by dishes like Banh Gio, thereby impacting the nation’s distinctive identity.

As a result, while this transformation brings about certain benefits, its drawbacks are more pronounced, including the erosion of authentic flavors in traditional dishes and the consequent loss of conventional identity. The massive influence of social media and technological breakthroughs has not only expanded culinary choices globally but also posed challenges to the preservation of cultural culinary heritage, especially among younger generations.

Sample 2:

In contemporary times, the traditions and customs associated with our dietary choices and eating habits are undergoing significant transformations. These transformations can be attributed to several interconnected factors. While these changes hold both positive and negative aspects, I firmly believe that, on balance, they offer substantial benefits.

One primary driver of these shifts is globalisation. The modern world is more interconnected than ever before, with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds frequently interacting. This interaction has led to a cross-pollination of culinary traditions and the incorporation of new ingredients and cooking techniques into local diets. For instance, the popularity of sushi, originally from Japan, has soared in Western countries, showcasing the global exchange of culinary practices.

Moreover, changing lifestyles and demographics have also played a pivotal role in altering food customs. Urbanisation, hectic work schedules, and the rise of single-person households have led to increased demand for convenience foods and dining out. Consequently, traditional family meals may become less frequent, potentially diminishing cultural food rituals associated with communal dining.

While these transformations pose challenges to the preservation of some food traditions, they also offer several advantages. The fusion of culinary practices from different cultures can enrich the gastronomic landscape, providing individuals with a wider array of flavours and culinary experiences. Moreover, the embrace of convenience foods can enhance efficiency in our fast-paced lives.

In conclusion, the evolving traditions and customs related to food are driven by globalisation, changing lifestyles, and demographic shifts. While these changes may sometimes challenge the preservation of certain cultural food practices, they also bring opportunities for culinary enrichment and greater convenience. Overall, these transformations reflect the dynamic nature of our society and can be viewed as a positive adaptation to our evolving world.