Food heritage from the food experts perspectives

Food is central in our sense of identity. This is especially in a group eating ritual as it asserts the diversity, hierarchy and organization. Food is also part of nation intangible cultural heritage, where it can be a mechanism in identifying one community or a country. It is important to grasp the meaning of food heritage before looking into the impact on the nation s food identity. Using a qualitative method, eight (8) food expert were identified and interviewed. The data were then transcribed and analyzed using Atlas software. The result showed food heritage is categorized into five; generation to generation, daily and common food, traditional food, original and authentic, celebration and seasonal. Findings of the current study confirming the finding from the previous study indicating traditional food, food passed down from one generation to another and food related to the cultural background were related with food heritage. By identifying the definition of food heritage from the experts, better understanding were provided to the nation of the meaning of food heritage that, in the long run, contributes toward nation food identity.