Food Culture: Identification of Typical Food and Dishes of a Municipality in the Northeast Region of Brazil

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to map among the interviewed population of Lagarto/SE which savory and sweet typical foods and preparations are considered characteristic of the city.   Theoretical Framework: The relationship between travel, cuisine, and culture highlights their economic potential by transforming gastronomy and tourism into strategic ventures. Emphasizing the preservation of gastronomic legacies as cultural expressions and the adaptation of dining spaces to reflect this perspective. Additionally, cultural tourism enriches visitors' experiences and promotes economic development. Therefore, regional cuisine is an essential element of daily life and a tourist attraction, connecting people and reflecting local culture. However, the influence of globalization and fast-food chains has impacted eating habits, raising concerns about health and the decline of communal dining.   Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted qualitatively, involving the administration of a questionnaire with questions related to the population's profile and the municipality's food identity. The data were evaluated using Microsoft Excel, presenting absolute and relative values.   Results and Discussion: There was a predominance of women (63.4%) and the dominant age group was 18 to 25 years old (27.2%). How much to marital status, there was a predominance of singles (45.5%). Regarding education, 29.5% had incomplete primary education and most of the interviewees received less than 1 minimum wage (44.1%). The typical food reported was cassava (39.2%), followed by jackfruit (15.4%). The salty preparation was maniçoba (27.4%), accompanied by rice with chicken (17%) and couscous (16.2%) and the sweet preparation, was milk sweet (33.7%), followed by rice sweet (11.4%). The research highlights the Lizard gastronomic culture, in a way that rescues, values and, above all, enhances this local cultural element so that it is not forgotten either by the residents or by its visitors.   Research Implications: Generating scientific data from the Brazilian Northeast region to support discussions around the gastronomic approach. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in knowledge production about gastronomy linked to technical development.   Originality/Value: It is justified by the need for scientific studies that contribute data on gastronomy and its relationship with tourism and culture in order to broaden the knowledge of Brazilian population's gastronomic practices, aiming to encourage and valorize them.