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 are in Hayes at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, a faith school where they’ve been invited for a special school dinner by head of history, Mr John Perkins. The occasion is Guru Nanak Gurpurab, celebrating the founder of Sikhism, and they’ll be joining 1,600 students and staff for a Langar which is a traditional Sikh community meal
**Introduction** (0:00 – 5:44)
(Starter)
James and Luke talk about other religious festivals before Luke explains Sikhism, outlining its key beliefs, history, and the significance of Langar.
**Interview** (5:47 – 13:30)
(Main Course)
John Perkins explains the school’s role in religious festivals and why Langar is so important to students and their families. James and Luke then speak with a group of Year 12 students about the origins of Langar, the significance of the food, and the way it is served and eaten, which Luke points out is an important detail for anthropologists. They also interview Maninder who oversees the kitchen and Mandeep, the school’s chief lunchtime supervisor, they share what Langar means to them.
**Post-Interview** (13:33 – 17:46)
(Dessert)
Luke gives a description of the scene unfolding in front of them. As well as a follow up discussion with Maninder.
**Closing remarks and acknowledgments** (17:50 – 23:30)
Luke and James discuss their main takeaways from this trip back to school.
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:
Engelke, M. (2011) ‘Material religion’, in The Cambridge Companion to Religious Studies. Cambridge University Press, pp. 209–229.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.