© koninklijke brill nv, leiden,  | doi: ./- Asian Journal of Social Science  () – brill.com/ajss Exploring the Role of Taste in Middle-Class Household Practices Implications for Sustainable Food Consumption in Metro Manila and Bangalore Marlyne Sahakian* University of Geneva Czarina Saloma Ateneo de Manila University Sunayana Ganguly Azim Premji University Abstract Food consumption patterns and practices are undergoing changes in the mega-cities of South and Southeast Asia. Based on a qualitative, comparative case study, this article examines food consumption practices among middle-class households in Bangalore and Metro Manila. We demonstrate how taste preferences, shaped by and shaping food consumption practices, directly relate to increases in meat consumption, food packaging and household food waste—all areas of environmental significance. Taste preferences, which evolved over time, are explained through three inter-related dimen- sions: (a) the competencies involved in preparing food or eating out; (b) the material dimension of consumption, or products available in sites of food consumption; and (c) the different meanings attached to what makes for a tasty meal. The differences and similarities in food consumption practices between each research site provide insights * This work was supported by the Swiss Network for International Studies, coordinated by Suren Erkman, Shalini Randeria, and Marlyne Sahakian, and supported by the Institute of Philippine Culture of Ateneo de Manila University, as part of the research project: “(Un)Sus- tainable Food Consumption Dynamics in South/Southeast Asia: Changing Patterns, Practices and Policies among ‘New Consumers’ in India and the Philippines”. We also thank our fellow researchers, especially Malavika Bengala, Ma. Christine Camata, Laura Burger Chakraborty, Marie Abigail Favis, Loïc Leray and Lorraine Mangaser.