What is ghost food?

"Ghost food" is a relatively new term that has a few different meanings, depending on the context:

1. Food from restaurants that only exist online: This is the most common definition of "ghost food." These restaurants don't have a physical location but operate solely through delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. They often use existing kitchens to prepare the food, sometimes sharing the space with other ghost kitchens. This allows them to focus on specific niche cuisines or offer various menu options without the overhead of running a traditional restaurant.

2. Food that is not physically present: This is a metaphorical meaning, often used to describe a food that is:

* No longer available: Like a recipe that's been lost or a specific dish that was only offered for a limited time.

* Difficult to find: A rare ingredient or a dish that is only made in certain areas.

* An illusion: A food item that is visually appealing but lacks substance or flavor.

3. Food that is "haunted" by its history: This is a less common usage but refers to foods that have a strong connection to a particular place or time period. For example, a dish that is traditionally made during a specific holiday or a recipe that has been passed down through generations.

Overall, "ghost food" is a term that describes a range of food-related concepts, highlighting the increasingly blurred lines between physical and virtual dining experiences and the ephemeral nature of food traditions.