Ghaas-Phoos

When you are a vegetarian in India you don’t fully realise what the hullabaloo about vegetarianism and turning vegan (fashion statements?!) in the West is about, especially, if you are a tolerant vegetarian and someone who has few reservations about picking from your friend’s chicken sandwich.

I mean, if you go to Goa, you can’t come back without tasting the seafood, right?! :P

(Don’t miss the golden fried prawns!)

But, I’ve come across few tolerant non-veggies…what do they have to tolerate, you ask?

Well, for starters: stop thinking vegetarians starve or that they’re missing out on “life”. When you’re a meat eater you often overlook the wonders that the plant kingdom has to offer!

And, vegetarian food in India is colourful, vibrant and delicious. 

We were talking about all the things that we love about India in class and I said, “FOOD” (yeah, yeah, I was thinking of yummy parathas and lassi, if you must know!)

My friend turned around and said, ‘Food? But, you’re vegetarian!’

OUCH? I can understand where she’s coming from though…she’s from Meghalaya and there are limited options for vegetarians in that part of the country.

It irks me every time people look down upon vegetarians. What is on your plate is a personal matter, whether it’s a lifestyle choice or just the way you’ve been brought up.

The web of different attitudes and values about food is intricate but both Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians must co-exist. After all, it’s about balance in the food chain! 

And, ah, if you have any doubts about what herbivorous Homo sapiens eat (and enjoy), come home, my mother will banish all those doubts when she places 12 different dishes with *ghaas-phoos*, masala and a little magic from different corners of the country on the table!