Synonym Magazine Issue 1: Pantry

"Through the lens of food, Synonym Magazine delves into the intricate interplay of trade, politics, colonialism, and capitalism, examining how these forces have shaped and reshaped our cultures worldwide, influencing both immigrants and the natives of their adopted lands. Our mission is to amplify the voices and stories of immigrants worldwide. At Synonym, we’ll spotlight these stories and share how trade, politics, colonialism, and capitalism have changed food cultures around the world, for immigrants and countries’ natives alike. We’ll explore all of this in the most intimate ways possible —through generationally shared flavors, the dishes placed on a table, the spices packed in a suitcase.  

In issue 1, we delve into the theme of the pantry, uncovering the fascinating ways in which diverse cultures have turned to staples such as canned meats, packaged seasonings, rice and beans, and condiments to adapt, innovate, and fuse their culinary heritage with that of their new homes.

This issue, we have an interview with Ifrah Ahmed, a Somali writer, chef, and artist; diptastic recipes from Alyse Whitney’s new book “Big Dip Energy” pulling ingredients from the pantry; essays by Betty Hallock, Vivian Liu; art by Josh Cochran, Lauren Tamaki, Hiroya Kurata; photography by Yudi Ela Echevarria, Julia Stotz, Andrew Bui, Yasara Gunawardena. We talk about the classist history of canned foods as well as the origins and modern takes on shave ice and so much more."

94 pages, spiral bound, full color.