British influence Kristen Fischer has experienced her good share of social surprises since relocating to India in 2021. But she’s not afraid to admit it, and it’s India’s distinctive approach to dinner parties that has made her scratch her mind. In a popular Instagram video, Kristen shared her biggest social adjustment: the Indian custom that prioritizes socializing over instant dining, a notion that first perplexed her.
” Every day I’m sitting that eager, I’m wondering when the meal is going to be served”, she confessed, explaining her battle with the delay in dinners at American breakfast groups. Accustomed to the professional, meal-first American breakfast parties, Kristen found the laid-back Indian strategy a tough but exciting encounter.
From prompt dining to late-night feasts
Kristen’s stories of social dilemma continues with her discovery that, in America, dinner events are about eating first and social after. In India, but, the social element takes precedence—often well into the night. ” In America, the dialogue happens after the food, but in India, it’s when. Imagine my surprise when friends don’t show up on time and don’t want to eat right absent”, Kristen described. She recounted an eye-opening expertise at a friend’s breakfast group where, despite showing up on time, the food wasn’t served until well past 11 p. m.
” They were asking why I was leaving so early, and I was thinking it’s late, and I need to go to bed. I also made a hamburger before going to sleep when I came home from these groups. Living in Delhi with her relatives, she’s adapted to some aspects of American life, but the supper party tradition still leaves her baffled.
” I genuinely still don’t get it. Doesn’t the food getting warm? Or I’d have to spend the entire time making it in the kitchen, rather of entertaining my friends,” she moaned, exposing a real contradiction between her American and American experiences.
Social media responds: A mix of fun and knowing
Kristen’s sincere take struck a chord with her fans, sparking a storm of comments that ranged from friendly to funny. ” Welcome to India! It’s all about the social vibes first”, one user wrote, while another added,” The food is the grand finale, not the opening act”. Many defended the custom, arguing that eating well is frequently seen as a way to bond rather than just a need to sate hunger.
One comment read,” Food is just the cherry on top,” which is a resounding resounding line to those who value the social aspect of a meal over the quality of the food itself. Some users empathized with Kristen, sharing their own struggles with late-night dinners. ” I feel you. I’ve been in India for years and still sneak snacks before dinner parties”, admitted one follower.
Others took a more lighthearted approach, offering advice for future dinner parties:” Pro tip: Eat before you go”!
