The Bastard of Istanbul

Shafak titles each chapter after a key ingredient to a dish prepared by a character within the chapter, demonstrating how integral food is to their lives—how it provides them with comfort and constancy, and how seemingly mundane foods reinforce culture and family, and help strangers feel at home in new places. 

After Armanoush arrives in Istanbul and dines with the Kazancis, the Turkish family is impressed by the American girl’s knowledge of all the dishes that are laid out on the dining table. Armanoush explains that many of the same dishes are staples in Armenian cuisine. Despite some brief reservations about her safety, due to living in the home of strangers, Armanoush quickly warms to the Kazancis and to Istanbul due to the presence of familiar foods. Also, Auntie Banu uses food as a source of comfort, offering Armanoush lentil soup to alleviate her jetlag and a plate of “two oranges, peeled and sliced” as comfort for a girl whom she thinks ‘[studies] a lot’” (184-85). 

In contrast, food became a point of contention between Rose and her former Armenian in-laws, the Tchakhmakchians. Though Rose is someone who takes comfort in food, particularly the toffee, Starburst Fruit Chews, and black licorice twists that she devours after her divorce from Armanoush’s father, Barsam, eggplant dips and grape leaves remind her of how poorly she fit in with his family.