Consequences-of-desire Quote by Mohsin Hamid
““...not one of these worthy restaurateurs would consider placing a western dish on his menu. No, we are surrounded instead by the kebab of mutton, the tikka of chicken, the stewed foot of goat, the spiced brain of sheep! These, sir, are predatory delicacies, delicacies imbued with a hint of luxury, of wanton abandon. Not for us the vegetarian recipes one finds across the border to the east, nor the sanitized, sterilized, processed meats so common in your homeland! Here we are not squeamish when it comes to facing the consequences of our desire.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Exit West by Mohsin Hamid, 2017
The passage critiques culinary elitism, celebrating diverse, bold foods while mocking sanitized, Western tastes.
In simple terms: It praises adventurous, exotic dishes over bland, conventional ones.
Key Takeaway
Embrace culinary diversity.
Themes
food culture
identity
colonialism
taste
globalization
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
analytical
challenging
When to use this quote
- menu design
- restaurant marketing
- cultural exchange
- food journalism
Key Concepts
cultural authenticity
gastronomic freedom
social critique
postcolonial perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How does food reflect power dynamics?
- Can culinary openness bridge cultural gaps?
A Different Perspective
Taste preferences are culturally constructed; not all exotic foods are ethical.
