Thread by @colinctc

Thread:
#StreetFood on @Netflix is a glorious AND timely reminder of the power of street food in the daily rituals of cities. I was fortunate enough to study #Portland’s street food scene. There are usually 4 key narratives that shape street food sites (and cities).

Briefly, they are:
1. Food Stories - Here, the food served reflects the vendors’ desired cultural identity markers - manifested in terms of the way the food is presented, the culinary history of the food and the name of the food item on the menu.

2. Owners’ Stories - The second narrative is the social profile of the proprietors and how they externalise their personal identity in their daily interaction with the public. In short, their stories, values and histories. #StreetFoodNetflix does this beautifully.

3. Stories of Place - This narrative deals with the owners’ relationship to the site they occupy as well as their perceived relationship with the city. In Bangkok for example, this relationship is strained and under threat.

4. Stories of Design and Aesthetics - This expression can take the simple form of colour schemes, signages and posters or involve more complex interpretations with regard to the architecture of food stalls, trucks and/or carts.

These narratives stemmed from street food are constantly woven into a city's fabric and shapes many of our urban spaces. In Portland's case, the city has garnered a solid reputation in part due to it's Street Food Sites. #PlaceMaking

As such,
1. Portland is innovative. Street Food Sites epitomise the entrepreneurial spirit of individual food cart owners as they find their respective niches in the industry.

2. Portland is a “foodie” city - The food carts are huge tourist draws and Portland is often regarded as one of the top food cities in North America.

3. A diverse Portland - Portland is one of the whitest cities in America. Street Food in Portland is diverse and international. The proliferation of Street Food Sites has introduced narratives that are uncommon and less familiar to its landscape, changing the city's story.

I’m immensely passionate about Street Food because to consume street food is to touch a city’s soul. Thankfully, the @netflix show highlights the power of street food. However, we STILL need to consider, nurture and cultivate our Street Food Sites before they disappear for good.