From The Peopling of New York City

Interview with Sonia Malik, a friendly person who agreed to an interview.

How old are you?

I am 38 years old.

Were you born in India?

Yes, in Delhi.

If I am right, would that be Northern India?

Yes it is.

When did you come to the United States?

I came when I was 11.

Do you visit India often?

I would say yes.

Do you home cook Indian food often?

Of course.

How would you describe the difference in ingredients in India and America?

The ingredients in India are fresher since it’s closer to where they’re grown, but the stuff in America is not bad usually, but you need to be careful since sometimes it’s of bad quality.

You’ve been to Indian restaurants here, right?

Yes. Sometimes you’re just lazy so it’s inevitable. Or the rest of the family just wants to eat out.

Would you say that many restaurants are deviating from an “authentic” Indian taste?

Well food definitely tastes differently. I think that they’re aiming for more money rather than better taste.

Are there restaurants that stay true to an “authentic” Indian taste?

Obviously the higher class ones do. But I think they’re more of the exception.

Could you describe how they are deviating from the “authentic” Indian taste?

Well in America there are many more convenient machines to make food with. There just isn’t any reason to use the original cooking tools unless you can’t find a substitute. I guess that alters taste a bit, makes it blander. Also, many things are bought ready to serve, or only require heating, particularly things like roti and rice.

Do you think it is more convenient to take shortcuts when making Indian food?

Yes.

Do you think it is cheaper to take shortcuts when making Indian food?

Yes.

Do you think that Indian restaurants are serving Indian food to non-Indians, particularly Caucasians more?

Well I don’t know but I’d say yes.

Can you depend on a particular restaurant to always make the same tasting item on a menu? For example, if you go to McDonalds and order a Big Mac, they will all taste the same. Can you do this in an Indian restaurant?

Yes, but you can’t order the same thing from different restaurants and expect them all to be the same.

So consistency is normal for a restaurant? Each dish can be expected to be the same unless you change chefs?

Yes.

~End