Work

Tanomenon Sorva: A Culinary Medium for Preserving Pontic Greek Identity and Intergenerational Bonding in Western Macedonia, Greece

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tanomenon Sorva (TS), a traditional yogurt-based soup at the heart of Pontic Greek cuisine, is examined as a marker of identity among descendants of Pontic Greeks in Western Macedonia, Greece. Guided by social constructionism and practice theories, we conducted participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 11 women aged 54–86 years and analyzed data using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA). Four key themes emerged: (1) Cultural Continuity and Tradition; (2) Social Bonding Through Food; (3) Adaptation, Challenges, and Loss; and (4) Health and Nourishment. We argue that this iconic, tangy soup operates as a cultural code and habitual practice that stitches memory, belonging, and embodied well-being. Against pressures of culinary homogenization, TS remains a powerful symbol and a practical tradition that helps a group preserve its unique identity.

Source: Gastronomy

DOI: 10.3390/gastronomy3030013

Authors: Achillefs Keramaris, Eleni Kasapidou, Paraskevi Mitlianga

Institution: University of Western Macedonia

Language: English

Topic: Food, Nutrition, and Cultural Practices

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207