Social media has radically changed cooking habits among Egyptian women, turning cooking platforms into sources of inspiration for new recipes. Azzah Fouad, a 57-year-old housewife, reflects these changes through her personal experience in using modern recipes.
Azzah, who lives in the Maadi area south of Cairo, says she has benefited from navigating various chefs' pages online, adding her personal touches to traditional dishes. She emphasizes that this experience has enhanced her communication with her children, who prefer diverse meals.
Details of the Event
Azzah states, "I watch the recipes and add my personal touches," reflecting how the online space has transformed the concept of cooking from a mere household duty to a means of self-expression. Anthropologist Lujain Khairy points out that the internet has allowed women to follow new recipes daily, which was not previously available.
Azzah has learned how to prepare new dishes such as chicken kofta, made with chicken breasts, in addition to developing traditional recipes like egg frittata by adding mozzarella cheese and colorful peppers, which has added new flavor and nutritional value to the meal.
Background & Context
This phenomenon is part of a broader transformation in Egyptian society, where women strive to emulate higher social classes by improving their cooking skills. Mrs. Ilham Mohamed, who lives in the Pyramids area, confirmed that she has moved from categorizing her cooking as "modest" to "very good" thanks to the recipes she learned online.
Ilham says, "I used to be bullied by the women in my family, but now I surpass them with a variety of dishes." She has also learned how to prepare dough for pizza and pastries, as well as proper food storage methods.
Impact & Consequences
Researcher Lujain Khairy shows that food has always been a standard of class distinction, but now there is an exchange between classes, as lower-income groups try to emulate the wealthy in preparing dishes. This change reflects a cultural and social transformation in Egyptian society.
Moreover, the online space has contributed to breaking cultural centrality, as dishes and cuisines spread across regions, reflecting the diversity of Egyptian culture.
Regional Significance
This phenomenon serves as a model for other Arab countries, where women seek to enhance their cooking skills by leveraging technology. Rehab Al-Boushi, a media graduate, manages an Instagram page where she offers various recipes, showcasing how women can pursue their passions through the online space.
These initiatives contribute to enhancing cultural identity and exchanging experiences among women in the Arab world, reflecting the power of the online space in changing habits and traditions.