Negotiating Between Authenticity and Adaptation

Food brings us back to ancient times. However, these timeless reminiscences are inscribed in the senses and emotions, leaving food memories unfaded. Additionally, food memories have also informed the cuisine and conversance with culinary history through social rituals and performances. In this framework, the mnemonic cues presented in Chitrita Banerji’s A Taste of My Life: A Memoir in Essays and Recipes (2021) are utilized as instruments to excavate humanity’s trial of the authenticity process in Bengali cuisine. This exploration reveals that the creation of Bengali cuisine extends beyond a mere list of ingredients; it is deeply rooted in the narratives surrounding regional cuisines and the memories they cultivate. The emotions and memories tied to these cherished dishes contribute to the regional identity of Bengali food, fostering a sense of pride in its legacy. By using a narrative analysis framework in this food memoir, the study highlights how individual choices in food consumption not only reflect personal tastes but also transmit culture through various personal preferences.