Our guide, Qin “Chin,” told us his parents used to say that “Hunger is the best spice” when he was growing up. As simple farmers, they knew too well that if you are hungry enough whatever you cook or eat will taste good.

While this saying evokes the sad emotions of hardworking people without enough to eat, it nevertheless proves itself to be a true proverb no matter what your socio-economic level.

It you have worked hard, skipped a meal because you forgot to eat, or arrived late… the food in front of you is delicious.

Granted, some foods are frankly better than other foods, and some food preparations are better than others. We know this reality deep within.

Home cooking, soul food, street food all hit the spot because we are hungry for food made with real authentic ingredients.

We grow tired of fast food, grab-and-go stands, and meal substitute bars of all kinds, because we crave food that will actually nourish our bodies.

We need food that won’t cause allergic reactions, or contain chemicals that “may or may not” cause cancer.   We desire food that God made, not food engineered in a chemist’s lab.

Our mouths water for complex flavors and bold spices. Wines that bring out the nuances of food we never imagined possible.

As we look forward to our next meal, let us be thankful to God who provides, to farmers who cultivate, and chefs who create.

And as we sit down to eat, let us be mindful of those without enough to eat, and those whose parents teach them that “hunger is the best spice.”