Across the globe, humans share a commonality — our love of food. Cooking is a culinary exploration that can connect cultures and bridge gaps between strangers. In an interview for Beyondish, we spoke with Beryl Shereshewsky, the creator of a unique social media platform that explores this idea. The concept is simple. She asks viewers to submit video responses to food-related questions, such as what they had for breakfast, what would they make with a lemon, or what they might order at a restaurant.
Subscribers respond by filming themselves discussing their answers, or by cooking the dish and explaining its significance. Shereshewsky then compiles selected submissions into one themed video and shares it across her social media. The videos offer a glimpse into the daily lives and heritage of individuals worldwide. This innovative approach has resonated with viewers and over a million subscribers follow her content across her platform.
Shereshewsky was first inspired to start this passion project during the pandemic. After the company she worked for shut down, she started to experience isolation. “I felt even more alone without the support of a team. I was already working in the video field as a series developer and came up with my channels concept as a way to help us all feel a little more connected during this time of disconnect. Food was the one thing I could really do at home!” Her interactive cooking content struck a chord with global audiences, and she started to gain followers.
Her platform provides a window into the everyday lives of people from various countries. The shared recipes and stories form a narrative of humans connecting through food. “Broadening your understanding of the world is tantamount to being a more empathetic person,” she said. “When we remove politics and see one another as people with memories and families and love, we gain a better world view.”
For some of the videos, Shereshewsky creates the submitted dish in her own kitchen. This hands-on approach allows her to experience and understand the intricacies of new cooking methods and unfamiliar ingredients. “Some are harder to source than others, but I live in NYC and have access to amazing grocery stores. I have been able to cook nearly every dish sent to me and I am 100% not a chef. I just go for it and it’s been great!”
Shereshewsky has created more than an online cooking show; she has fostered a vibrant community and sparked curiosity. People are connecting through their shared love of food, learning from each other, and celebrating their cultural differences. “It’s rewarding to see that you can make an impact with content…I love giving people a platform to talk about their cultures, their families, and their memories. I feel so close to everyone who shares and I take that responsibility seriously. It’s beautiful to see. At the end of the day we have more in common than what divides us.”
Each video is a new opportunity to promote understanding and appreciation across borders. The comment sections are filled with positive remarks from viewers sharing their own food anecdotes. Some subscribers make the dishes and follow up with Beryl. “I think it’s rewarding when people recreate the dishes they see on the channel and send me photos. I also did a special end-of-year episode where I had people send in thank-you notes to others who they saw on the channel. It made me cry to see the beautiful connections made around the world.” The touching video can be seen here on her YouTube channel.
In a complex world, simple everyday meals can be a gateway to connecting with someone halfway across the world. Beryl’s platform and crafted content are testament to the power of food bringing people together. She reflects: “Truly I have learned about our commonalities. I always knew they were there, but what I have seen and learned has convinced me even more that we are one people connected through (the) foods we love.”
More information about Beryl Shereshewsky can be found on her website. Also, she has a new show with PBS called Pan Pals, which can be seen here.
AUTHOR
Meet Becca, a delectable combination of food enthusiast, intrepid traveler, humorous soul, and wordsmith extraordinaire. With a passport in one hand and a fork in the other, she embarks on adventures, savors cuisines, and collects witty anecdotes. She works in media and is a freelance writer.
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