Sabores de casa, longe de casa: a gastronomia brasileira como vinculo cultural e emocional para imigrantes brasileiros nos EUA

Abstract

Food, in addition to its biological function of nourishing the body, also serves as a significant marker of cultural identity, reflecting the practices, values, and cultural traditions of a people. The present research discusses the cultural and emotional importance that Brazilian gastronomy holds for Brazilian immigrants residing in the United States. The discussions on this topic are justified because, when migrating to another country, Brazilians carry with them a vast cultural legacy that is expressed in a very specific way in their cuisine. It is through these traditional dishes brought from their countries of origin that immigrants find an emotional connection to their homeland. Food ceases to be merely a biological necessity and becomes a means of reliving memories and providing comfort amid the distance, while also preserving cultural heritage. To achieve this, it was necessary to investigate the dietary habits of immigrants, understand their relationship with Brazilian food, and identify the criteria these individuals seek when consuming these dishes. Therefore, a study was conducted using carefully selected materials with the aim of determining whether Brazilian gastronomy is indeed an important means of preserving the cultural ties of Brazilian immigrants.