How Many ‘Indian’ Restaurants Globally Are Run By Pakistanis? Fresh Discussion Amid Tensions
A growing debate is unfolding online about the true identity of "Indian" restaurants abroad, with many social media users questioning how many of them are actually run by Pakistanis posing as Indians. The conversation gained momentum following recent protests in Hyderabad targeting Karachi Bakery, a beloved city institution.
The controversy began when social media users took to Twitter to express their concerns about the ownership of Indian restaurants abroad. One user questioned, "How many ‘Indian’ restaurants in the UK are actually run by Pakistanis pretending to be Indian. Now why might that be?" This sparked a wider online discussion, with many users sharing their experiences and concerns about the lack of transparency in ethnic restaurant ownership abroad.
According to a report by PTI, Karachi Bakery was founded in 1953 by Khanchand Ramnani, a Sindhi Hindu migrant who fled Karachi during the 1947 Partition. The bakery’s owner, Rajesh Ramnani, clarified that the establishment has been Indian-owned for over 70 years, despite its name referencing Pakistan’s financial capital.
The online debate has led to a wider discussion about the authenticity of Indian restaurants abroad. Some users have expressed concern about the lack of transparency in restaurant ownership, with one user suggesting that every Indian restaurant should compulsorily display its owner’s NRI/OCI certificate from their Indian Embassy as a Certificate of Authenticity.
A podcast clip being widely shared features a speaker alleging, "Pakistanis in London pretend to be Indians to escape humiliation." Another Indian in the same clip claimed that every Pakistani restaurant that opens abroad writes "we are an Indian restaurant." This sentiment resonated with many diaspora Indians and travellers, who began sharing their experiences of encountering Pakistani-run restaurants masquerading as Indian eateries.
As reported by News18, a user in the US shared, "We found a few ‘Indian’ restaurants here in the US run by Pakistanis." Another user in Japan shared a similar experience, saying, "I went to an Indian restaurant in Tokyo, Japan. It had an Indian map and showed Kashmir without PoK. I instantly recognised that it was being run by a Pakistani. I did not eat there. I had nothing against this owner, but I do not like people who are defrauding other people."
According to Maryam Jillani, who wrote an essay for Bittman, restaurant owners in the US and other countries often label their eateries as "Indian" to attract customers, leading to menus filled with Indian staples like butter chicken and chana masala, while authentic Pakistani dishes remain underrepresented.
There is currently no official global registry differentiating Indian versus Pakistani ownership of restaurants abroad. However, the online debate has sparked a conversation about the need for greater transparency and authenticity in the food industry.
In related news, it has been reported that many Indian restaurants in countries such as France are actually run by Pakistanis. As one user noted, "Same in France, most Indian restaurants are run by Pakistanis."
The issue raises questions about cultural identity, authenticity, and transparency in the food industry. As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how restaurant owners and customers respond to these concerns.
The discussion highlights the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges of navigating authenticity in a globalised world. One thing is certain – the conversation is set to continue, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the food industry.
Original Source: News18
By News18, New Delhi, India
