Love Goes Through the Stomach

February 22, 2026

Love Goes Through the Stomach

Not once I heard the saying "love goes through the stomach". From my own experience, it is a very truthful saying. Food is deeply connected to culture. As culture changes, so does the food. In my last two blogs, The Unexpected Shocks and More Than Just Walkable Distance, I have shared the most obvious differences between the Slovak and American cultures. Today, I would like to share the one thing that makes me feel homesick the most: food.

Bryndzove halusky- Slovak national dish

I did not realize the importance of food culture before moving to the United States. The way people prepare food, serve it and eat it reflects their culture more than I expected. In the United States, many meals are "to go" prepared fast, good to eat in the car, to be eaten fast, to snack on it, to finish it and throw away the wrapper. In Slovakia, the majority of the meals are prepared to be eaten while you sit behind a table, with cutlery, slowly. This means that the preparation of the food takes more time, better representation, possibly a company. American food does not use a lot of different spices, mostly only salt and pepper. Slovak food is prepared with many different spices, marinades or herbs. Flavor is important to Slovak culture, not only in food. In Slovak culture, a good meal means good company. These things must be enjoyed; they take time to "digest".

American cheese burger

Pork cheecks in mushroom sauce

I have felt this difference the hardest in high school, where everything was one-time use only. No glass, no porcelain, no reusable cutlery. I felt horrible using so much plastic every day. The food was very low in quality, no nutrients...just sad. After a few weeks, I started packing my own lunch because I could not take it anymore. Do not get me wrong, I love a good burger or wrap, but the school lunches in Slovakia were cooked to nourish the children. I cannot tell you how many times I have complained about the school lunches, about having to eat the soup or the spinach. Now, I would appreciate a lunch like that in grade and high schools.

Today, I understand the difference between I want to eat this and I need to eat this. Culturally, the United States and Slovakia have very different food, cafeterias, way of eating, food preparation and representation. I believe that love goes through the stomach because when I eat a flavorful and nicely prepared meal, I feel happy. What is your favorite food? Do you believe that love goes through the stomach?

A few more pictures of flavorful food: