The language of comfort

JavaScript isn't enabled in your browser, so this file can't be opened. Enable and reload.

This questionnaire is part of my research for a bachelor thesis in Communication Design at the Fachhochschule Potsdam. It aims to analyse the role that comfort food plays in the lives of immigrants in Berlin.

What country are you from? *

01. Comfort food is typically defined as food that provides a person with a sense of emotional comfort or nostalgia, often associated with positive feelings of well-being, security and familiarity.

These foods are usually associated with personal or cultural memories and may be indulgent, familiar and easy to prepare. The concept of comfort food varies greatly depending on individual tastes, cultural backgrounds and personal experiences.

In which of the following categories would you place your own idea of comfort food?
You can choose more than one answer.

Photo by Lucy- Ruth Hathaway

Traditional dishes from my childhood or home country that evoke nostalgia

Sweet treats and desserts that provide an instant mood boost

Simple, home-cooked meals that are easy to make and remind me of family

Fast food or convenience food that I indulge in for quick comfort

Healthy or wholesome dishes that comfort me without compromising on nutrition

Seasonal or holiday-specific foods that bring back memories of special occasions

International cuisine that explores flavors from around the world as a comfort adventure

Other:

Required

02. How often do you cook your own comfort food?

Every day

Several times a week

Once a week

A few times a month

Rarely

Never

02.1. If you don’t cook your own comfort food, how do you typically enjoy it?

I never eat comfort food; it's just not something I crave or seek out

I eat comfort food, but only when I go to a restaurant specifically for it

I enjoy comfort food by ordering takeout or delivery from my favorite spots

Someone else usually prepares it for me, like family or friends

I occasionally buy pre-made comfort food from stores to enjoy at home

Clear selection

03. Is it easy to find a restaurant in Berlin that serves your country's food in an authentic way? By "authentic way" I mean the closest you would find in your home country.

Yes, there are numerous restaurants offering authentic dishes just like back home

No, I haven’t found any restaurant in Berlin that serves authentic food from my country

Somewhat, there are a few restaurants that serve authentic cuisine, but they are hard to find

I’m not sure, as I haven’t looked for restaurants serving my country’s cuisine in Berlin

Other:

04. Is it easy to buy food from your home country
in Berlin?
*

Very easy, I can find almost everything from my home country in local stores or markets

Somewhat easy, but the selection is limited and often expensive

Challenging, there are only a few specialty shops that carry products from my home country, and they are not always conveniently located

Very difficult, it’s rare to find specific ingredients or products from my home country in Berlin

I haven’t tried to buy food from my home country in Berlin

Online options are available, making it easier to find and purchase food from my home country, even if it’s not available locally

05. How often do you eat out in a German restaurant? A German restaurant in this case would be considered one that serves mainly Schnitzel, Knödel, Pork Knuckle, Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, etc.

Source: Berlin Food Stories

Several times a week — I love exploring German cuisine frequently

Once a week — it’s a regular part of my dining routine

A few times a month — when the craving hits or for special occasions

Rarely — only a few times a year, as I prefer other cuisines or cooking at home

Never — I haven’t dined out at a German restaurant

Only when I have family or friends visiting from out of town — it’s a special way to share the local culture with them

Only when dining with German colleagues or friends — I rely on their recommendations for an authentic experience

06. How often do you eat in an ethnic restaurant?

In this case, not necessarily a restaurant of your nationality.

Source: Tripadvisor

Several times a week — I love exploring diverse cuisines frequently

Once a week — it’s a regular part of my dining routine to try different ethnic foods

Rarely — only a few times a year, as I tend to cook at home or have other preferences

Never — I haven’t explored ethnic restaurants much

Only when I have family or friends visiting — it’s a way to explore and enjoy international cuisines together

Only when dining with friends from that particular ethnicity — to ensure an authentic experience guided by their preferences

07. Can you name your favourite comfort food? *

Photo by Alex Lau

08. Why does it give you comfort?
You can choose more than one answer.

It reminds me of happy times and cherished memories from my childhood or past

The taste, smell, and texture soothe me and make me feel instantly happier

Eating it evokes feelings of love and care, similar to being hugged from the inside

It connects me to my cultural heritage and traditions, giving me a sense of belonging

Sharing this food with others strengthens my social bonds and shared joy

It’s an indulgent treat that allows me to temporarily escape from daily stresses

Required

09. Do you see Berlin as a city that embraces its many different immigrant groups?

Definitely — The city actively celebrates its cultural diversity and immigrant communities

To a degree — There are visible efforts and vibrant multicultural areas, though not uniformly across the city

Somewhat — While there's some inclusion, it feels like there could be more comprehensive efforts

Rarely — The efforts to embrace diverse communities seem minimal and not deeply ingrained in the city’s ethos

Not at all — Berlin struggles to fully embrace and integrate its immigrant populations

Uncertain — I haven’t observed enough to form a definitive opinion on this matter

Required

10. How accurately do restaurants in Berlin that serve cuisine from your culture, reflect your culture's traditional aesthetics and design elements?
Please consider the whole experience of going to a restaurant, from the design of the menu to the ambience.

Extremely accurately — From the menu design to the ambience, everything feels like it's straight from my culture.

Very accurately — Most elements, including decor and menu, closely mirror traditional aesthetics from my culture.

Somewhat accurately — There are noticeable efforts to replicate traditional designs, but some aspects don't fully match

Barely — While there are some attempts at cultural representation, they miss the mark on authentic aesthetics and feel

Not at all — The restaurants lack authenticity in design and ambience, making them feel disconnected from my culture

Varies significantly — Some restaurants nail it completely, while others seem to misunderstand or oversimplify our culture

11. What is your favourite restaurant in Berlin?

You can choose any restaurant, regardless of whether it serves cuisine from your culture or not.

Submit

Clear form

Never submit passwords through Google Forms.

This content is neither created nor endorsed by Google. Report Abuse - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy

Forms