The war between Mexico and France is called food war or culinary dispute.
The war between America, Israel and Iran is going on due to many reasons. No one knows what will be the end of this. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is also going on. Many such wars have been fought in the world, the reasons behind which were border disputes or oil, gas, political, diplomatic reasons, but you may not know about the war between two countries over pastries or other such sweets. Whereas this is recorded in the pages of history.
Many countries claimed their rights on special pastries. This is called food-war or culinary-controversy. Come, let us try to find out under the pretext of the war going on around the world, between which countries the pastry war took place? Which countries established their rights over a particular pastry and there was tension between the two. Between which countries did soldiers actually face each other and where did cultural conflict take place?
There was a pastry war between France and Mexico.
The Pastry War between France and Mexico is considered to be the most unique and real military war in history. This war took place in the year 1838 and lasted for almost a year. Then Britain intervened and ended the war. The story starts from the year 1832. Some Mexican officials vandalized and looted the shop of Remontel, a French pastry chef living in Mexico City. The chef asked for compensation from the Mexican government.
Pastry war between France and Mexico.
In this case the Mexican government refused to compensate for the loss. Then the chef appealed to the King of France. France used this small issue as a big political weapon and demanded a huge amount of six lakh pesos from Mexico as compensation.
French pastries.
After Mexico’s refusal, France sent its navy in 1838 to siege and attack Mexico’s main port, Veracruz. Hundreds of people were killed in this war and ultimately Mexico had to bow down and pay that amount. This is the only war in history whose name and cause are linked to an ordinary pastry shop.
Türkiye and Greece clash over Baklava dispute
Baklava is a sweet pastry. In this, dry fruits and honey are filled between thin layers. Both Türkiye and Greece claim their rights on it. Turkey says that baklava actually originated in the Ottoman Empire. Greece claims its roots in ancient Greek recipes. This controversy was not limited to mere words. There was a debate regarding this in the European Union also. Eventually, Gaziantep Baklava received Türkiye’s special recognition (GI tag). This dispute took place over historical heritage and cultural identity.
Baklava.
There was also a dispute between France and Austria
Croissant is the identity of France today. But its story is considered to be related to Austria. Austria claims that a pastry named Kipferl already existed. France later adopted it and created the modern croissant. There was a minor dispute on this between the two countries but soon the matter was resolved and France got the right on the croissant. The reason for controversy in this case was the origin and naming of the recipe.
Hungary vs Romania come face to face
It is a cylindrical sweet pastry. It is also called chimney cake. Hungary considers it its traditional sweet. It is also very popular in the Transylvania region of Romania. Both countries called it a part of their culture. There was also competition regarding its name in tourism and market. This chimney cake became a source of controversy due to its regional history and cultural influence.
There was a dispute between Australia and New Zealand also
Pavlova is a light, creamy dessert. It contains meringue and fruits. Both Australia and New Zealand claim that it was made in their country. This sweet is named after Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova. This dispute between the two countries is quite famous. In media reports it was called Desert War. Some research suggests that it started in New Zealand, but Australia is also not ready to give up its claim. The real reason for the dispute is national pride and popularity.
Italy vs America happened for Cannoli
Cannoli is a famous pastry of Italy. In this, sweet cream is filled in a crisp tube. Italy says that this is a traditional sweet of the Sicily region. Italian people living in America made it more popular. In many places in America it is made in American style. On this Italy expressed displeasure that the real taste is changing. The reason for controversy was the purity of the traditional recipe.
France vs Russia over Milfoy
Millefoy is a flaky pastry. France considers it its classic dessert. In Russia it is called Napoleon cake. Russia claims that its form developed there. There has been historical discussion regarding this in both the countries. However, this is not a military dispute but a cultural one. Because the same type of sweet thing has different names and forms.
Donut.
America and Europe clash over donut issue
Donut has become the identity of America today, but fried dough sweets were already in Europe. Some European countries say that the donut has its roots here. America popularized it on a large scale. This controversy is more mild, but remains in discussion. The real reason for controversy is commercial success and recognition.
Why do such disputes occur?
There are some common reasons behind these pastry wars. Every country is proud of its tradition. Tourists are attracted by the famous sweets. Branding increases business. There is also an impact of old empires and migration. It is something like the Peda of Mathura in India. Sandila laddu. Thousands of food related items are available in every state and city in India. If any country claims these, there will be a dispute.
Even a sweet item like pastry can become a cause of controversy. This shows that food is not just a taste, but a culture. Such disputes have been seen in countries like Türkiye, Greece, France, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, America and Russia. One thing is clear from these stories. Food connects people and sometimes also creates debate. Such disputes give us an opportunity to understand different cultures and perhaps this is the best thing about these sweet wars.
Also read: Iran, Israel or America, who has the most historical heritage?
