By: Dr Rabia Mukhtar
When sociologists spoke of the “generation gap” decades ago, they meant differences in beliefs, values, attitudes, dressing, or music. But today, the divide has moved to a space once considered universal — the dining table. What we eat, and how we eat, now sharply reflects generational identities.
For grandparents, best quality is cherishing steaming rice with lentils, handmade breads, or traditional curries slow-cooked in earthen pots. “Food is about simplicity and health. We grew up on what was available in our fields and gardens and that kept us strong,” says 72-year-old Mr Nazeer Ahmad, a retired schoolteacher.
Parents influenced by 80s and 90s culture embraced foods like samosas, biryani, and the occasional festive sweet. For millennials and Gen Z, however, pizza, pasta, and burgers became cultural staples. “Pizza was our idea of modern taste. It felt new, global and cool,” recalls 34-year-old software engineer, Nusrat Rahim, laughing at how her children now call pizza “old-fashioned.”
Indeed, Gen Alpha who are children of the digital age, are already leaving behind the foods their elder siblings still love. For them, bubble teas, ramen bowls, sushi rolls, tater tots, seasoned fries, chicken quesadillas and Korean fried chicken are the real trendsetters. “Pizza is boring now. Everyone eats it. Sushi, bubble tea looks fun, tastes different, and you can post it on Instagram,” says 16-year-old, Ayaan with the confidence of his generation.
This shift is more than just preference. It mirrors worldview and lifestyle. Older generations value familiarity and nourishment while younger ones chase novelty, presentation, and tweetability. Food has become not just about nutrition but also about identity and self- expression.
Nutritionists, however from time to time flag concern. “Every generation experiments with food, but the danger lies in replacing wholesome grains, pulses, and vegetables with ultra-processed trends. A balance between tradition and modernity is essential,” says Dr. Meera Joshi, a Delhi- based dietician.
As food fads continue to change, one truth remains: the generation gap isn’t just about values or fashion anymore. It is right there in our cooking bowls, on our dining tables and on our plates.
Perhaps the way forward lies in a fusion wherein parents and younger generations, both male and female, work together to integrate nutritional wisdom with modern practices to curb unhealthy habits. The integration of efforts by parents and children, complemented by the motivation of teachers, is essential in educating young generations about authentic nutrition and fostering innovations that ensure both quality and nutritional security for the future. After all, food has always evolved, carrying traces of the past while embracing the future.
Author is a teacher and can be reached at
rwani48@gmail.com
