Central Asia—the Eurasian heartland—is home to multiple culturally rich countries such as China, Iran, Mongolia, and Turkey. Naturally, with the advent of trade and globalization, multiple cultural exchanges occurred among these countries along the Silk Route, of which food was an essential aspect.

In this episode of Brill’s new Humanities Matter Podcast special series Mahlzeit, Dr. Eugene Anderson—a retired professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Riverside, talks about the various nuances and implications of these food exchanges, while discussing the book he has co-authored: “Crossroads of Cuisine: The Eurasian Heartland, the Silk Roads and Food: Crossroads – History of Interactions across the Silk Route, Volume 2.” His book delves deep into the history of foods, food exchanges and cultures, and the role they played in fostering a relationship between the East and the West.

Guest: Dr. Eugene Anderson
Host: Leigh Giangreco