Food Culture In Brunei

1. Introduction

Throughout history, food has been a major part of every culture in the world. However, since globalization, there has been a gradual shift in food culture, where different kinds of food cuisine have emerged, leading to the formation of new food culture and affects how food is being seen and interpreted. The emphasis from the cultivation of food and its use for survival is being replaced with quality, taste, and the status that certain foods bring. There is a disconnect in food, as psychology affects eating habits and the overall conception of food. With increased globalization also, exposure to different kinds of cuisine, advertisement and social situations involving food, countries, including Brunei, are experiencing a change

Food culture worldwide keeps evolving because the changing of lifestyle is never ending. Eating out culture, Fast food culture, Clean Eating culture and Cafe culture are those seen that have emerged in Brunei for the last decade.

1.2.1 Eating out Culture

There was a time when eating out was meant only for special occasions. However, today people are eating out more than ever before. In fact, eating out has become a part of our lifestyle and culture in Brunei with the increasing variety of food choices available (Caroline, 2009). The trend of eating out has a lot to do with our changing lifestyles. Today, a lot of people spend a lot of time working that their time to do other activities is limited. When interviewed by Caroline from Brunei Times, a 29 year old woman, Lee Chi-Yuan suggested that her hectic work schedules is the cause of her preference to eat out (2009). People eat out because they are tired and would rather have a quick meal. In addition, they do not want to have to clean up after cooking and serving a meal. They also have little time to figure what meal to make and shop for the food and

Followed by Sugarbun in 1995 and Jolibee in 1997. As fast food was still new in the local scene around this time, it was not until 2008 - 2010 that fast food became a culture. This can be seen as Sugarbun in Brunei, which closed down in 2008 made a comeback in 2011 when fast food culture has been developed. It then successfully opens up 8 other branches with 2 others to be opened up in the near future. This can also be seen happening with 2 fast food franchises namely Marry Brown and Kenny Rogers. Marry Brown has returned to Brunei in 2015 after its short-lived presence in the 90s while Kenny Rogers in 2013 (Al-Haadi, 2013). They are both currently booming and have opened a few more other branches since their comeback. Other new fast food franchises have also opened up in the recent years such as Burger