Ever notice how every culture has that one comfort food that makes people feel better? Americans have mac and cheese, Japanese have ramen, and Indians have khichdi. These aren’t fancy meals—they’re the simple foods we eat when we need a mood boost.
But why do these foods make us feel good? Science has some answers. Most comfort foods are warm and filled with carbs or fat. When we eat them, our brains release chemicals that help us relax. That’s why a bowl of chicken soup or a plate of pasta can feel like it’s fixing a bad day.
Interestingly, while these foods are different in every country, they do the same job. Think about it: Someone in China might feel better after eating a bowl of congee, and someone in Italy might feel better after eating lasagna. Different foods, same feeling.
Most comfort foods started out as everyday meals that people could afford easily. Initially, they weren’t special—just regular food that got the job done. Over time, these simple dishes became something more. They became the foods people craved when they felt down or stressed.
Comfort foods are mixing and matching as people move around the world. You might find someone who feels best eating their grandmother’s old recipe and something new from their adopted home. Kimchi grilled cheese, for example.
The bottom line is that comfort foods show that we’re all similar, whether it’s a burrito, dumplings, or mashed potatoes. We all want food that makes us feel good – we get there through different dishes.
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