The need for food is not simply the drive to overcome hunger, but besides that, there are also physiological and psychological needs that influence. Each group has a distinct pattern in acquiring, using and assessing food culture that is characteristic of each group.

For some people, the kinds of foods that have been used since childhood, will continue to be a favorite food as adults. Most people are “like what they eat” rather than “eat what they like”. They have the loyalty and sensitivity to the composition of traditional food dishes and sensitive when there is criticism about their food. It is generally accepted in every social group is the existence of certain restrictions on the available food in their natural environment. That means there is a potential food consumed but not because it is considered as a “No Food”. Instead what is considered “food” is an important part of the culture of a society, and passed on to the next generation through the socialization process.

It is interesting in terms of food selection is the concept of culture food taboos. Taboo is an act to avoid what he believed to be supernaturally dangerous, while the food is taboo action to avoid certain foods based on causal explanation which is supernatural, It is sometimes difficult to explain rationally. Food taboos are usually grouped according to stages of life. Each different type or a hidden spiritual meaning in it. In addition, each region has different taboos to be applied to people, although sometimes with a more modern society, the taboo many have forgotten and violated by adherents.

 
Many studies have been conducted to examine the food taboos in society. Research conducted by Wiwik & Yushila (2006), have a taboo against eating eggs to children in Pekalongan Central Java Indonesia, because it was feared would eventually grow ulcers.

 
Research conducted by Dyah & Ichsan (2006), have a taboo against eating chicken meat brutu the tail section for a teenage girl in Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia so as not to flirt so hard to match. This may be associated with actions like chicken tail wagged so impressed flirtatious, and worry about a girl who ate it would behave that way.
Taboo on eating shark feeding mothers in South Sulawesi, is the interesting findings in research conducted by Aswita & Dewi (2006). It is related to the legend that occurred in South Sulawesi, especially in Bugis. In the past when looking for fish in the sea a mighty storm, and they survived because the sharks are helped by an agreement that there should no longer eat shark to their descendants. In breastfeeding mothers, eating shark believed to cause the child’s skin disease. In addition to nursing mothers on the island of Lombok, Sasak tribe in particular, there is a taboo to eat fish, eels because it will cause itching disease in children who breast-fed. In the Papuan people, especially tribal Jae, Fish and Fish Nine Kakap taboo eaten for its strange, that is feared will cause abnormalities in the body, even resulting in death.

Many food taboos associated with animal sources, such as meat and fish.Food taboos associated with the concept of “hot-cold” that could affect the balance of the elements in the human body, earth, air, fire and water. If the elements in the body is too hot or too cold, it will cause disease. Meat and fish eaten taboo because it contains elements of heat, so if eaten believed to cause disease.