What is culture? Well what is the quickest way to ingratiate oneself in a new society when traveling overseas?

The answer to the second highlights some of the first. When traveling if you can appreciate the local food and customs whilst being able to say an understandable please & thank you in the local tongue you're doing well.

Communication is the underpinning of community which is the habitat of culture. Food and drink are the way we show inclusion and respect for each other.

Food is vitally important to civilization. Give them bread to keep popularity in the Roman Empire. Mistakenly say cake to topple the French Empire. We are but 3 meals away from the breakdown of civil concord.

A restaurant to me is only possible because of civilization and culture. It is the most concrete opposite to extremism, hostility and terrorism. A restaurant is hospitality, culture and cuisine. So food to me is a very real part of any deep understanding of a culture.