A FEAST FOR THOUGHT:

the tug of war between modern and traditional cuisine.

Vivian J. and Pius K. (A3)

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Food is an obvious essential in any individual’s life, ranging from extravagant 6-course dinners to simple midnight snacks. Equally significant but not as noticeable is the subtle tug-of-war taking place between modern and traditional cooking, especially in the Asian country of India. Traditional meals (tahli) are traditionally eaten on leaves for lunch/dinner, but now are served on stainless steal plates. These meals consist of rice dishes, unleavened bread, salads, and yogurt. Restrictions of diets are heavily based upon religion. Members of Hindu upper castes refrain from eating meat while those in lower classes consume poultry and mutton, but no beef. Muslims eat beef, mutton, poultry, and seafood but no pork. Upon the arrival of the Portuguese, foods such as potatoes and chilies were introduced in 1510. When placed under British rule in the 1600’s, a new style of cuisine was invented under the name Raj – a fusion of British and Indian meals. The British are said to have introduced curry, a blend of powders and gravy. Today, curry is associated with Indian food in conjunction with intensely flavored dishes of vegetables, rice, and occasionally meat. In modern times, American and European fast-food restaurants can be seen popping up in cities like Delhi and Dacca. However, these face heavy competition with indigenous food companies who strive to satisfy the large population of the subcontinent. American easteries are finding that in order to entice consumers to their fare, they must change up their menu to suit their tastes, resorting to spice up their dishes and excluding offensive meats. Younger generations in India have a tendency to visit fast-food restaurants for a change of taste, but still enjoy eating homemade food. There are also various Indian fast-food eateries that simplify traditional recipes to away cut costs and Younger generations in India have a tendency to visit fast-food restaurants for a change of taste, but still enjoy eating homemade food. Many of these dishes have been exported to Western countries to meet growing international demand. Foreign beverages have also made an appearance in today's India, including tequila and tea.

Despite the contrasting differences in food fare, Indian cuisine is rooted in a deep and delicious history; one that natives are sure not to forget, regardless of the newfound manifestations of Western gastronomy.

 

 

This picture is taken of a traditional meal which has many different herbs and spices and

many different food choices.

This picture is taken of a Indian fast food resteraunt which shows how the modernization

of India including the way the eat.  

                                                 Conflict

These two pictures show how the different the way traditional and fast food is served

and how much the modern day fast food buisness has effected the way indians serve

food

 

SKIT:

Vivian: Welcome to McDonald's. How may I help you?

 

Pius: Can I get a cheeseburger?

 

Vivian: Well we don't carry any beef or pork, but we do hav ethe Maharaja Mac made with lamb or chicken meat.

 

Pius: Wait, but I thought this was an American restaurant?

 

Vivian: It is, but we also have to cater to our native's needs. Muslims and Hindus don't eat pork or beef.

 

Pius: But why don't you still offer it? Besides, McDonald's should be crafted for American tastes.

 

Vivian: It's important to consider the country that we are creating our franchise in. We don't have to disrespect a culture that has traditional cooking roots with our own greasy food.

 

Pius: I guess you're right. What else is there to eat?

 

Vivian: We have the salad sandwhich if you're a vegetarian.

 

Pius: That's okay. I'll just take a McCurry pan. I remember pasing an Indian fast food restaurant on the way here. Do many people go there?

 

Vivian: I go there when I feel like eating something quick, but I mostly eat at home. Some of my friends go there a lot when they want to try something new.

Pius: They seem pretty full to me, but mostly of teenagers and younger people. It seems like those who have been around for longer enjoy authentic homemade meals more than their children.

 

Vivian: That's true. I think they may feel like preserving their heritage and culture through their food rather than getting it in a simplified version for a cheap price. Have you tried the Pizza Hut down the street?

 

Pius: Yeah, I went yesterday. I got a really good vegetarian pizza and my friend had a spicy chicken pizza. I think all these businesses combine their Western influences with Indiand ideas in order to make a menu that has some traditional elements but also has a modern twist.

Vivian: That seems about right. It also may have something to do with the prolonged British rule and how they introduced India to drink like tequila... but I shouldn't talk about that. Anyways, here's your curry pan meal. Enjoy!

 

Pius: Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Cited:

Goyal, Anita. "Emerald: Article Request - Consumer perception about fast food in India: an exploratory study." Emerald. 2007. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. 1 May 2009 <http://www.emeraldinsight.com/Insight/viewContentItem.do?contentType=Article&contentId=1593189>.

 

Ramgopal, Ram. "CNN.com - The Maharaja Mac: Fast-food Indian style - July 14th, 2002." CNN.com. 14 Jul 2002. CNN. 1 May 2009 <http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/south/07/14/india.spicy.fast.food/index.html>.

 

Srikanth, Anjana. "Food-India.com - Food Tour of India : Diversity of Indian Cuisine ." Food-India.com. 2003. Food-India. 2 May 2009 <http://www.food-india.com/indianCuisine/1001_1050/1003_food_tour_india.htm>.

 

Srinivas, Tulasi. "Cuisine—South Asia." Encyclopedia of Modern Asia. Eds. David Levinson and Karen Christensen. Vol. 2. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2002. 209-212. 6 vols. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale.  International Academy High School. 3 May. 2009 

http://find.galegroup.com/gvrl/infomark.do?