Food is bound to take you places, especially if you're in NYC
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A saying in Hindi that all the grannies use is, "The way to your heart is through your stomach." Honestly, I see that food can work in mysterious ways and for all the good reasons (mostly)! As I write this post, I can only think about chole bhature ;_;
Food has been an integral part of every culture, especially for immigrants as this is one thing they cherish and hold onto in their new lives. The Indian immigrants in New York played an important role as food emerged as a means of survival and a way to maintain Indian cultural identity. Many Bengali ex-seamen found opportunities in food vending or opened small restaurants, which gave them to escape factories and kitchen labour. Establishing and running food businesses enabled them to achieve some economic independence and build community bonds within the new alienating environments. These vendors and restaurant owners also ensured their food aligned with Indian dietary practices, particularly avoiding pork. Eating at each other’s pushcarts or establishments created a sense of trust within the community, offering reassurance that the food respected religious boundaries. Eventually, these eateries became communal spaces where immigrants could gather, speak in their native languages, and discuss political developments in South Asia.
Indian food businesses also played an important role in fostering relationships between Indians and other communities, particularly African Americans and Puerto Ricans in Harlem. Vendors on the streets and restaurant owners became a familiar presence, contributing to the social life of Harlem. These eateries catered to diverse tastes, offering now both Indian and American dishes, which encouraged intercultural exchanges.