From The Peopling of New York City

Where did you live in India?

“I lived in Bombay, India.”

When did you come to the United States?

“I came when I was 6 years old.”

Where in New York do you live?

“I live in Flushing, NY.”

Why did your family come here?

“We came here because my dad was working here and he wanted the family with him.”

Did you meet many other South Asians or Indians here? When your family came here, did you guys feel a sense of community?

“There were not many South Asians or Indians when I first came, but we eventually got to know more people as they moved into our neighborhood.”

What do you consider to be the difference between a South Asian and an Indian?

“South Asian is almost all of South Asia, which includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan. On the other hand, India is a country where basically all religions are practiced and tolerated, which is not the case in the other South Asian countries.”

Does the Indian food here maintain the same flavor as in India?

“The Indian food here is similar to the flavor in India, but there are still some missing ingredients, which are only grown or made there. Also the water is different, and things are more pure in India. For example, vegetables are not artificial; they have no added preservatives.”

Do you only prepare food that is from the Bombay, North India?

“No, my mom cooks food from all over India because Bombay is a city where people from all over India come.”

Can you tell me about the differences in what a North Indian would eat, as opposed to what a South Indian would eat?

“North Indian food consists mostly of curry, rice, wheat bread, and liquid lentils with some sweets, whereas South Indian food is based mostly on rice.”

Do you prefer fast food or food made at home?

“I prefer home food.”

Does difference in age make a difference in the type of food an Indian would rather eat? Do children prefer Dosa, while adults prefer Roti?

“Yeah, difference in age does affect the type of food an Indian would eat. For example, I like all types of Indian foods. However, my younger brother is choosy with the non-spicy foods. Thus, he eats idly, roti, rice and lentils, whereas I like curry, samosas, and other spicy things.”