Journey from South Asia to West London through food as we explore migration, globalisation, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage.
In the series, Prof James Staples and Dr Luke Heslop, anthropologists from Brunel University London, talk to restaurateurs and others about what food from their homeland means to them and why. They explore the rich array of culinary traditions that have made their way from South Asia and been made anew in West London, using food as an entry point to wider discussions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Journey from South Asia to West London through food as we explore migration, globalisation, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage.
In the series, Prof James Staples and Dr Luke Heslop, anthropologists from Brunel University London, talk to restaurateurs and others about what food from their homeland means to them and why. They explore the rich array of culinary traditions that have made their way from South Asia and been made anew in West London, using food as an entry point to wider discussions.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, James and Luke were invited by Amal Abeyawardene, secretary of the British Maha Bodhi Society, to visit the London Buddhist Vihara, the oldest Buddhist temple outside of Asia. There, they explore how food offerings help tell stories of migration and tradition.
**Introduction** (0:00 – 4:58)
(Starter)
James and Luke begin by discussing where this episode's trip takes place, along with some context about Buddhism, migration, and its connection to food. They then introduce Amal Abeyawardene, secretary of the British Maha Bodhi Society, who shares more about the history of the London Buddhist Vihara Temple.
**Interview** (4:49 - 23:00)
(Main Course)
Amal Abeyawardene explains food offerings in Buddhist tradition and how monks, visiting nuns, and followers interact within the temple. James also speaks with Ven. Bogoda Seelawimala Nayaka Thera about the history and significance of Sanghamitta Day, and hears migration stories from Ruvini, one of the key organisers, as well as from temple visitors.
**Post-Interview** (23:00 – 29:50)
(Dessert)
The episode ends with a reflection on food offerings, the materiality of religion, and the history of Sri Lankan migration to the UK. Luke describes the dishes on display as a sensory experience that stirred vivid memories of Sri Lanka.
**Closing remarks and acknowledgments** (29:51- 30:38)
The Migration Menu has been brought to you by James Staples and Luke Heslop, with help from Vimal Dalal, Angele Ijeh, Stefeni Regalado, and Jafnah Uddin. If you have any questions or comments for us, send them in and we will address them in a future show, you can get in touch at info@themigrationmenu.com. Or on ‘X’ - formerly Twitter: @migration_menu and Instagram @themigrationmenu
Menu – Food eaten
Literature mentioned:
Kemper, S. (2015) Rescued from the nation: Anagarika dharmapala and the Buddhist world. Chicago, IL, USA: University of Chicago Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7208/chicago/9780226199108.001.0001.
In a merchant’s house life and work in small town Sri Lanka by Luke Heslop (coming out soon)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.