Everyone has to eat. That’s a fact. And yet, everyone has a different relationship with food.
Food plays a different role in all our lives. Some eat simply for sustenance, some enjoy the social opportunities that comes along with shared meals, while others prioritise aesthetics over taste.
There’s another role that food has played on a broader scale: across history and cultures, women and cooking have been tightly interlinked. These days, though? It’s clear that things are changing on that front, and food delivery facilitates – or at least reflects – this development: on foodora, 60% of orders are made by women, most of whom are aged 25-44.
That’s why this week, we chatted to the amazing women behind foodora to find out more about how their connection with food has changed (or not!) as they grew up, their ordering habits, and found that each individual’s relationship with food was unique and complex, often a culmination of factors like their upbringing, their cultural background, and their career.
Mathilde Sohet, Head of Offline Marketing – French
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
I started appreciating it more, when you are a kid you do not realize how much work and skills your mum put in the meals she cooks, it seems to be given and as you grow older you start realizing it is hard work! Same as going to a good restaurant, being able to afford an expensive restaurant makes you appreciate it even more.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I love to say I like to cook but truth is I barely ever cook, I would only cook for other people and never for myself. I like to order in for lunch at work or on a Sunday night but what I enjoy the most is eating out almost everyday including the mandatory Sunday brunch, it’s not just about food it became a social habit almost
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
To a certain extent yes, if I am having a movie night then I will spend less time in the kitchen and more time in front of my movie!
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Except at work where I can order just for myself I always order with other people mainly my roommate or my friends, it makes sense from a cost perspective but also it becomes more of an exciting thing like “let’s order something tonight!”
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
Yes completely, looking at my mum I do not think I have ever seen her ordering online and takeaways were extremely rare. If I have friends coming over and no time to cook I wouldn’t mind ordering while my mum would see this as outrageous!!
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
It does not really affect me as I am not an active cook but my boyfriend is much more, so we always cook together and he often does more than me.
What does food mean to you?
I have a really special relationship to food, I was lucky enough to have parents who really educated my tastes from a young age, my mum is a great cook and would always make me discover new dishes, and my dad was very often taking us to good restaurants. I guess I unfortunately got used to it because I am now going to the restaurant all the time! I would consider myself a foodie and I am obsessed with lists of restaurants to try. If I am going on holidays in a new place, checking the best restaurants there would always be my first move!
Food is so important in my life that I would rather spend all my money on it than clothes or beauty products for instance.
Jacinda Eagle, Key Account Manager – Australian
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
I was a VERY fussy eater as a child (and I still am!) but as I’m growing older, my appreciation for food has grown and I’m starting to go outside my comfort zone more. Now I see it as a way to bring people together, for example, my partner and I make our own pizzas every single Sunday and it’s a ritual at this point to send off our week.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I cook 4/7 days a week and plan my meals the week before as I love getting excited for all my different dinners throughout the week. I do tend to order out for the remaining days in the week and do so that often that I have a budget now per week!
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
I’m a very lazy person who is late for everything, so to now that I can order food and get ready instead of cooking, it means I can stay on the couch that extra bit longer and not feel so rushed.
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Usually, it is for my partner and I, but I do order sometimes in large groups with my friends when we just want to chill and drink at one of their houses rather than going to the pub.
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
Not entirely, but that would be because I have a young mother and a young grandmother. Neither tend to order delivery, but we both put value in cooking and making something that makes you happy.
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
It doesn’t particularly affect my life which is great – my mum and I do the majority of the cooking in our households but that’s because we want to (and we’re control freaks in the kitchen!). When my partner cooks, I end up being a backseat driver and taking over eventually.
What does food mean to you?
Food to me means and experience and comfort. My partner sees food as energy and doesn’t mind what he eats, but if I choose the wrong meal, it will ruin my day.
Lizzie Kaye, Head of Digital & Public Relations – Australian
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
I’m a massive foodie and dining out is an essential part of my week. It’s a love that’s started from a young age from watching Jamie Oliver, reading Gourmet Traveller and enjoying MasterChef with my family.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I eat out a lot, it’s something I really, really enjoy! When I do cook it’s generally something pretty basic like spag bol or a stir fry.
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
Delivery is definitely a thing of convenience for me – I consider it a time saver or something to enjoy with friends when you don’t have any food in the fridge!
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Delivery is always bit of a novelty and it’s more fun to enjoy it with friends. My mates and I often play ‘delivery roulette’, where we each order from a different restaurant and enjoy all the food together.
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
Yes, definitely. The older women in my family never order in, and when they do they always call the restaurant to order over the phone. Me and my friends however only ever use food apps.
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
Traditional gender roles are something that I always saw at home, my Dad was always working and was never home in time to cook. These days though my partner and I share the cooking responsibilities which is nice as each of us have our own ‘signature dishes’ which we make so it’s good to mix it up.
What does food mean to you?
Food is something that I really, really enjoy. Whether it’s a fancy restaurant or a gourmet burger from the local restaurant down the road, it’s the experience of dining out and trying new things that I love the most.
Emma Rahmani, Business Development Manager – Australian
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
Yes, I appreciate healthy food more and get excited about ways to make healthy food delicious. When I was younger I loooved greasy fatty foods.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I cook almost every night during the week, and eat out almost all weekend.
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
Yes, it helps me out when I simply can’t be bothered to cook or clean.
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
It’s usually with other people. A lot of times I’d plan a cosy night in with friends for movies and food delivery.
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
Not really – I think I have a pretty mature relationship with food, as I love cooking.
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
Doesn’t really affect me as I live with my sister.
What does food mean to you?
It’s an exciting thing that brings people together!
Angelina Nguyen, Public Relations Junior – Australian
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
A lot! I was one of those kids that always held food in their mouth and had to get scolded at to eat home-cooked meals. I always thought take-out was better, to the point where I’d want to eat meals my mum could make but at a restaurant.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I have a routine. I usually cook at home or order food during weekdays because I’m tired from work. The weekends are for eating out.
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
Absolutely. Working full-time means that you have less time. Sometimes when you get home, you just want to snuggle up on the couch instead of cooking and washing up. Being able to order a meal is such a treat.
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
I live with my partner so it’s always for the two of us. He always asks me what I feel like when we’re ordering and I always reply, “anything but a wrap”. So we’ve yet to order wraps in our household because I never want it!
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
Definitely. First of all, I’m Vietnamese and the food that my parents prepared took days to make so you would generally eat a pot of pho for an entire week. For me, there’s not only a generational gap but there’s also a cultural gap. So this just meant that I never had the desire to cook because I didn’t want to spend the entire day doing it.
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
I’m always asked if I can cook and I reply flat out that I don’t and that in my home, it’s my partner who enjoys doing it. There’s no shame in that so I’m not ashamed of it!
What does food mean to you?
I am a social person and I love to use it as a way to bond with people. Meet someone new? Lunch. At home with my partner? Take-out on the couch. Missing my family? I go home for dinner. Food is the centre of everything!
Cris Lutterbach, Rider Manager – Brazilian
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
I am trying to eat healthier and tasting foods from different countries.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I cook 6 days/ week and order only once/ week.
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
No, in fact, I order when I am busy and did not have time to cook.
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Only for me.
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
Yes, I believe that women nowadays cook less if compared with past generations.
Do you feel traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home continue to persist? What are the effects of this on your life?
I believe it does, however, not much in developed countries. Women who have to cook for their family have less free time. If she really enjoys it, then it becomes an entertainment moment.
What does food mean to you?
It means to be happy. Eat with a passion that chocolate cake and be satisfied after that, mainly when you share with someone else. I love to eat!
Anais Gouault, Key Account Manager – French
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
As I grew up, I deepened my interest in the origin of ingredients thanks to my parents… My mother had two restaurants and would take me to the local farmers where she bought products from. My father taught me how to fish when growing up in the Caribbean.
In the past few years, I learned a lot about the nutritional values of food. In Bondi, everyone is addicted to healthy stuff maybe too much! 😉
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
50%-50%
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
Even if I work for a food delivery company, I rarely use it, maybe once a week to be delivered to the office.
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
I usually order food for myself at work.
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
In my opinion, older people are more likely knowledgeable about food but in their times they were more restricted. They would cook with local products 80% of the time. Nowadays, we have access to such a great range of products and ingredients. We have everything we need to cook – or at least try to cook – a curry dish or an African chicken, how good!
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
I don’t see gender roles in my environment.
Both sides of my family, no matter the gender, are great at cooking. During family gatherings, my grandfather would climb up up the coconut tree to get the coconut used for a dish while my uncle would start a fire that my grandmother would use to cook some fishes… Everyone contributes in the kitchen and we enjoy it all together!
What does food mean to you?
It has been a big part of my life since I am a kid. I was lucky to be surrounded by an infinite variety of tastes & dishes… ButI have to admit: I love eating more than cooking. My main project is to start a company related to food in BKK – working on it!
Judy Cho, Partner Care Compliance Officer – Australian
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
I definitely became more conscious in regards to the nutrition, cost and environmental impact of it. I also appreciate how innovative food can be and love keeping up with food trends (I’m a huge fan of mushroom coffee , sea vegetables and plant based milks).
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I eat most of my food inside to try to be money savvy & I’m lucky enough have a garden at home so produce is always bountiful 🙂
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
I think so, I don’t often order food outside but I enjoy having the option to choose to order food when I feel bored/lazy/in the mood to celebrate or to have something different.
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Usually with other people as the minimum fee is >$25 and I enjoy sharing different meals with my friends and family
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
I definitely think so. My grandma and mum both cook mainly Korean food and will spend alot longer in the kitchen (e.g. making stock for the soup, making side dishes ‘banchan’) wheras I prefer to have quick, easy and simple meals that I can whip up in less than 20minutes.
Traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home continue to persist – what are the effects of this on your life?
Definitely, my grandma spends most of her time in the kitchen (or in front of the TV on a stationary bike haha) whilst my grandpa prefers to stay outside gardening (or sitting on the couch watching TV).
What does food mean to you?
Food means creativity, fuel, and endless options.
Sophie Leeuwenburgh, Operations Associate – Dutch
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
I eat definitely more veggies! and in general healthier (but still can’t live without carbs)
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
50 % cooking – 50 % eating out/order in/take-out
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
Not really, I love cooking so I don’t mind spending an hour or more in the kitchen after work
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Mostly for myself, if people come over, I tend to cook with and for them
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
I think I spend more time cooking at home than my mom or my aunts etc, as they grew up in the ’60s and ’70s and cooking was considered as too “wifey” and “unfeminist”, of which you needed to rebel against. I don’t have that association these days. I also know a lot of women of my mom’s age, that are terrible cooks because of that. I think home cooking has gotten a better image these day, because it’s no longer the only way to feed your family and therefore became more a like a hobby.
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
Growing up, both my parents cooked a lot, but my mom cooked with very little fat, meat and salt and my dad is the polar opposite (my mum had a vegetarian restaurant and my dad was a butcher, so that explains). I reckon that women still cook a bit healthier than men these days, but they’re catching up!
What does food mean to you?
I love food, it brings people together and makes them happy (hangriness is not to be underestimated, you guys!)
Jane Gould, Head of Partner Relations – American
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
I now eat more than just chicken nuggets. I’m also a fan of the tender and boob variety.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
50/50 splitz
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
Definitely more now that I work here, I suggest it when I’m with friends. I used to think only lazy people ordered food. My mind has definitely shifted or maybe I’ve just become one of the lazy people and I’m only realising it now…woah..
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Sharing is caring mah dudes. I love eating with others, so I try to always order with friends. But when I’m pickled on a Sunday and no one wants to wallow in my misery with me I’m not opposed to a pity party – party of 1.
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
For sure, my mum and Grandmum only make plain, bland, white people food (I’m not gonna lie, I eat it and enjoy). My mum will definitely try new cuisines and new restaurants but she never dares to make them at home where I’m somewhat of a scientist in the kitchen. Known for my Kung Pao risotto
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
Gurrllllll please, miss with that. Bois best be pullin’ their weight in the kitchen. If they not cookin’ they cleanin’ – okurrrrrrrrr
What does food mean to you?
food means love, family, friends, new places, lifeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Justine Broncard, Business Development Manager – French
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
Age doesn’t much influence my relationship with food, it’s more the country I live in. I however realize that the older you get, the more attention you need to pay to your nutrition. Which is tricky because the older you get, the more money you earn and the more you want to spend it in good restaurants
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
I use to eat out or at work on a daily basis in London, because the lifestyle wants it there, never to cook at home. In Sydney, I tend to cook 30% of my meals.
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
It saves time, yes, but I enjoy more eating the food I prepared myself than delivered food (even though it’s not as good!)
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
Once a week, I have this “Harry Potter night” with my friends when we watch one movie and order foodora food for everyone, changing restaurants every week
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
With new technologies, millennial do so much more than 1 or 2 generation before us use to do. So it’s natural to have less time to do simple things in life – like cooking – as there is still only 24 hours in a day!
Traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home continue to persist – what are the effects of this on your life?
I disagree with this statement, depends on who you live with. My partner is in charge of savoury dishes and I prepare sweet deserts. Friends of my age have the same concept, cooking together or alternating. Usually the one that go shopping cooks that week, because there was dishes ideas behind the ingredients bought.
What does food mean to you?
Happy moments and lovely smell
Sophie Borton-Sutherland, Offline Marketing Executive – Australian
How has your relationship with food changed as you got older?
My mum really instilled into my sister and I from a young age that a home-cooked meal is always best! I grew up watching (and eventually helping) my mum bake, and it’s something that hasn’t changed as I’ve gotten older; I still love a good cupcake!! I think my relationship with food has changed slightly in the sense that, while I value and enjoy a home-cooked meal, I also really love the convenience of food delivery and eating out as a social event.
How often do you cook vs. order in vs. eat out?
Maybe a 70-30 split of cooking vs eating out/ordering in?? That’s a bit optimistic :p As uni students, my boyfriend and I found it way easier to eat out and get food delivered, and that’s still the case now that we’ve both transitioned into full-time working life – love the convenience and ease of it, especially when we’re exhausted!
Has food delivery changed the way you manage your time, particularly your free time?
It’s definitely freed up a lot of my free time (although I do love cooking and baking and trying new recipes) so it’s changed my free time for the better, in terms of convenience and having more time to chill out 🙂
When you order food, is it usually just for yourself or are you ordering for other people (partners/friends/family) as well?
I usually order in with my boyfriend (as we live together), and occasionally with a group of my friends when they come over to hang out.
Do you find your relationship to food/cooking differs from those of older women in your life? Is there a generational gap you see?
Definitely – my mum is still very traditional and values home cooking; she’s very against food delivery, as her perception is that it’s unhealthy/there are only fast food options available online (which we know isn’t the case!), so there is a generational gap there.
Do traditional gender roles regarding cooking at home affect your life?
No way – you best believe that my boyfriend is cooking and cleaning just as much as I am! We split up these ‘traditional gender roles’, and I feel like our generation as a younger demographic is eradicating these divides because of how much more socially aware we are.
What does food mean to you?
Happinesssssssssssss!!
We definitely agree that food means happiness, so why not grab a slice of happiness over at foodora?
