Debates over cultural imposition in India have grown louder in recent years—and not just about language. The long-standing concerns over Hindi being pushed in non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala are well known.
But now, that conversation has taken a new, and slightly spicier, turn—food. A recent post by Malayalam writer M.S. Madhavan has reignited this cultural debate, this time over the menu served on the Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Coimbatore.
‘They speak about language imposition. What about food imposition?’
That’s the question Madhavan posed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and it hit a nerve.
“They speak about language imposition. What about food imposition. Typical snacks served in South Indian Vande Bharat trains. This one from Bengaluru-Coimbatore VB,”
he wrote, sharing a photo of the menu that featured snacks like Bikaji bhujia, samosas, and other distinctly North Indian items. His critique wasn’t about the food itself—but what it represents: a subtle yet persistent disregard for regional identity.
In a country where food is deeply intertwined with culture, tradition, and even pride, this small menu controversy sparked a big reaction.
It might sound trivial at first—after all, it’s just train food, right? But for many, it symbolizes a broader pattern. Southern states have long argued that their culture is being diluted under the guise of national unity. Language was the first battleground, now food seems to be the next.
People online quickly resonated with Madhavan’s sentiment. Several users echoed his frustration, asking why trains running through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu can’t reflect the local cuisine—like masala vadai, murukku, banana chips, or filter coffee—especially when food is such a powerful marker of cultural identity.
After all, as one user pointed out, “Food isn’t just sustenance. It’s memory, it’s pride, it’s heritage.”
Not Everyone Agreed
Of course, the internet wouldn’t be the internet without divided opinions. While many supported Madhavan, others felt the issue was being blown out of proportion. Some argued that South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and sambar are enjoyed across India—and often served outside the region—without being labeled “imposition.” A few users dismissed the debate altogether, saying the real issue was the quality of food on trains, not the type.
But here’s the thing—this isn’t really about samosas versus banana chips. It’s about representation. When a train connects two major South Indian cities and still doesn’t reflect the region’s culinary roots, it’s hard not to see that as a missed opportunity—or worse, erasure.
What this incident really highlights is that cultural imposition isn’t limited to textbooks or political speeches. It shows up in everyday places—menus, music choices, movie dubbing, and yes, railway meals. And while India prides itself on being a diverse country, the reality is that not all cultures feel equally seen or respected in the national narrative.
This menu controversy has sparked an important—and much-needed—conversation. In a country as richly diverse as India, is it really too much to expect that local trains serve local flavors? That cultural pride isn’t mistaken for regional stubbornness?
If anything, M.S. Madhavan’s post is a reminder that culture is more than just a checkbox—it’s what makes India vibrant, complex, and unique. And respecting it, even through something as simple as a plate of snacks, goes a long way.