Indians are NOT Vegetarians

Server: Sir this contains Bacon – are you ok with it?

Me: Yes, you can’t make carbonara without bacon - Why shouldn’t I be, ok?

Server: I mean Indian people normally do not eat meat?

Me: Please request the chef to put extra bacon in mine and make it crispy

The above is my conversation with a very helpful server at a restaurant in Europe last year.

It is a commonly held belief that all Indians are vegetarians, and this notion has been reinforced by the fact that vegetarianism is often associated with Indian culture. However, this belief is a misconception, and the reality is far from it. In fact, while vegetarianism is prevalent in India, it is by no means universal.

India is a diverse country, with a population of over 1.3 billion people belonging to different religions, castes, and ethnicities. The dietary habits of Indians vary significantly across the country, with some regions and communities being largely vegetarian while others are predominantly non-vegetarian. For example, in the state of Punjab, which is known for its meat-based dishes such as tandoori chicken and butter chicken, vegetarianism is widely prevalent. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu from where our favorite Dosa, Idly and Sambar comes is more than 75% non-veg. [We are not going to debate the origins of Dosa in this article. That’s for another day]

According to a survey conducted by the Registrar General of India in 2014, only 30% of the Indian population is vegetarian, which means that most Indians are non-vegetarian.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the reasons for choosing a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet in India are not necessarily based on religious or ethical considerations. In many cases, dietary choices are influenced by factors such as economic status, cultural traditions, and availability of resources. For example, meat consumption may be seen as a status symbol in some communities, while in others, it may be considered a luxury due to its high cost.

While vegetarianism is an important aspect of Indian cuisine and culture, it is not accurate to assume that all Indians are vegetarians. Food in India changes every 100 km in whichever direction you travel. The diversity of the Indian population, both in terms of culture and dietary habits, means that there is a wide range of food choices and preferences across the country. It is important to recognise and respect this diversity, and to avoid making sweeping generalisations about the eating habits of an entire population.

I just hope we manage to change this narrative soon.

#diet #vegeterian #nonvegeterian