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Foreigners NOT Welcome: Indian Street Food Ahmedabad

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INDIA, AHMEDABAD: You have to try Gujarati food people have been telling me ever since I touched down in Ahmedabad.

So I thought I would do just that by going to the famous Manekchok Street food market which opens at night. What I wasn’t anticipating though was that my first dish there would be Punjabi. After a little trouble ordering due to my non-existent Hindi language skills I finally was served a delicious Veg Manchurian.

What are the reasons behind the discrimination of foreigners in Ahmedabad’s street food culture?

Foreigners NOT Welcome: Indian Street Food Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, located in the western part of India, is known for its vibrant culture, colourful markets, and mouth-watering street food. However, the city may not be as welcoming to foreigners as it appears. The issue of foreigners being denied entry to certain street food stalls and restaurants has been a longstanding problem in Ahmedabad.

The reasons behind such discrimination vary. Some locals believe that foreigners are not used to the spicy and flavorful Indian cuisine and therefore may not be able to handle it. Others argue that foreigners may not have been vaccinated and could be carrying infectious diseases which could put the health of the locals at risk. However, these reasons are flimsy excuses for blatant discrimination.

The situation is worsened by the fact that most foreigners do not speak the local language, Gujarati, making it difficult for them to communicate with the locals. Street food vendors and restaurant owners often take advantage of this communication barrier to refuse entry to foreigners. Moreover, foreigners are sometimes charged exorbitant prices for the same food that locals get at a significantly lower price, further highlighting the discriminatory treatment.

The discrimination against foreigners in Ahmedabad’s street food culture reflects a larger problem of xenophobia and intolerance prevalent in many parts of India. The rise of extremist nationalism in the country has only fuelled this problem, and foreigners are increasingly viewed as a threat to Indian culture and traditions.

The phenomenon of ‘foreigners not welcome’ in Ahmedabad’s street food culture must be addressed and rectified. The government should take measures to ensure that foreigners are not discriminated against and are treated with respect and dignity. Public awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate the locals on the importance of inclusivity and diversity.

In conclusion, Ahmedabad’s street food culture may be a delightful experience for locals, but it can be a nightmare for foreigners who are often denied entry and treated unfairly. It is time for the locals and the government to work together to create a more welcoming and inclusive food culture in Ahmedabad. After all, food brings people together irrespective of their race, religion, or nationality.