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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how food is part of different customs, traditions and celebrations.

      Key learning points

      1. Eating habits, traditions, customs, religion, history, and location influence the food that is eaten globally.
      2. Depending on where you live, the food commonly eaten, as well as served at celebrations, is different.
      3. Food dishes with significant meaning are often served at special celebrations.
      4. Meals and dishes can be planned and prepared to meet the needs of different traditions and celebrations.

      Keywords

      • Tradition - custom or belief passed from one generation to another generation

      • Custom - everyday behaviours, social interactions, or local practices

      • Injera - a spongy flatbread from Ethiopia

      Common misconception

      The cuisine, ingredients and food customs in different countries have not changed over time.

      History has changed the cuisine, ingredients and food customs. This has happened because of travel, trade and wars.

      Teacher tip

      When exploring food customs and traditions, use experiences from other members of staff, pupils and families to bring the topic alive. Linking to other learning, such as that in geography, history or religious education, helps to provide real life context about the food eaten throughout the world.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the following cuisines:

      Correct Answer:Indian,dhal, tandoori chicken, naan bread and biryani

      dhal, tandoori chicken, naan bread and biryani

      Correct Answer:Italian,pizza, lasagne, risotto and focaccia bread

      pizza, lasagne, risotto and focaccia bread

      Correct Answer:British,cottage pie, fish and chips, leek and potato soup

      cottage pie, fish and chips, leek and potato soup

      Q2.
      What does the term 'traditional food' refer to?

      Dishes that are cooked using modern techniques.
      Dishes that are made with the latest foods trends.
      Dishes that are imported from other countries.
      Correct answer: Dishes that have been passed down through generations.

      Q3.
      At what meal is it traditional to serve Brussels sprouts in the UK?

      An image in a quiz
      Easter Sunday
      birthday party
      Correct answer: Christmas lunch
      New Year's evening

      Q4.
      What is the best definition of 'cuisine'?

      a type of food found only in one specific region
      Correct answer: the style of cooking, often associated with a particular culture
      the ingredients used in a dish
      a cooking utensil

      Q5.
      Match the following:

      Correct Answer:Sunday dinners are a,time for families to enjoy a special meal.

      time for families to enjoy a special meal.

      Correct Answer:Food can be a,way to connect with one's cultural heritage.

      way to connect with one's cultural heritage.

      Correct Answer:In some cultures,,certain foods are believed to bring good luck.

      certain foods are believed to bring good luck.

      Correct Answer:How we eat varies,from one culture to another.

      from one culture to another.

      Q6.
      Which of the following influences the types of foods eaten in different countries?

      Correct answer: where we live
      Correct answer: our religion
      our preferences
      food colours, smells and tastes
      Correct answer: traditions over time

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      During Chinese New Year, oranges and tangerines are usually given for good ...

      Correct answer: wealth
      Correct answer: luck
      long life
      new life

      Q2.
      What type of bread is this?

      An image in a quiz
      matzah
      pitta
      Correct answer: injera
      tortilla

      Q3.
      Match these different traditions and food:

      Correct Answer:the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Fitr,dates, sweet pastries

      dates, sweet pastries

      Correct Answer:Thanksgiving in the USA,roast turkey, cranberry sauce

      roast turkey, cranberry sauce

      Correct Answer:Harvest festival in South Korea,songpyeon (rice cakes)

      songpyeon (rice cakes)

      Correct Answer:Chinese New Year,dumplings, long noodles

      dumplings, long noodles

      Q4.
      True or false? The cuisine, ingredients and food customs in different countries have not changed over time.

      True
      Correct answer: False

      Q5.
      Match the country and its natural resources or weather.

      Correct Answer:Ethiopia,dry climate, growing a grain called teff.

      dry climate, growing a grain called teff.

      Correct Answer:UK,cooler and rainy, good for growing potatoes and root vegetables

      cooler and rainy, good for growing potatoes and root vegetables

      Correct Answer:Italy,warm and sunny, good for growing tomatoes and olives

      warm and sunny, good for growing tomatoes and olives

      Q6.
      Many have traditions and rules regarding food that can or cannot be eaten.

      Correct Answer: religions, religion
      Q2 "Injera" by sgraby1982 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

      To help you plan your 5 cooking and nutrition lesson on: Customs and traditions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...