Hinduism, synonymous with Indianism, is the largest religion in India. About 80.5% of India's population. With this being said, cows are the most valuable animal in Hinduism and is not supposed to be eaten or abused in anyway. So, how are they going to have an American burger joint that's popular for their cow products?
According to India West, "By opening in a highly trafficked shopping venue in the upmarket residential neighborhood of south Delhi, Johnny Rockets is poised to introduce its signature all-American fare, with multiple veggie patty options, a focus on chicken breast sandwiches and buffalo tenderloin burgers... Other items specific to the Select Citywalk menu include Masala Fries, a Tandoori Spiced Chicken Wrap, Paneer Philly Cheesesteak and the Divine Delhi, the restaurant's salute to the robust flavors of the region."
Contrary to popular belief, tens of million of Indian citizens consume beef. Although this number is large, it's no comparison to India's population of over one billion people. Beef production varies by local governments and some workers (like who transport the meat, etc) have boycotted the practice. "The Goa government had earlier banned the slaughter of cattle and other animals at a prominent local abattoir over safety and hygiene concerns," reports the International Business Times. The beef market doesn't have regulations or rules since many states have banned the practice. What about the Christians/Catholics/non Hindus who eat beef?
http://www.ibtimes.com/wheres-beef-india-believe-it-or-not-1258469
http://www.indiawest.com/food/145-johnny-rockets-opens-first-restaurant-in-india.html
This is the issue when one religion is overwhelmingly powerful in a country! You end up forgetting about the rest of the population who believe in something else. Why open a Johnny Rockets if you aren't going to have a real beef patty? Not having rules on the market for beef can be dangerous since that must mean people can bring it into the country however they please. (in those states that allow it of course) Something that this reminds me of this is one of the times I went to Malaysia.. I was getting sick of spices of the satays and nasi goreng, that I started craving some regular fast food...and it turns out their KFC and McDonalds don't have anything that ISN'T spicy on the menu. So what about the people who can't handle spicy food? :( I guess that is something we can be thankful for in America. There is so much diversity, there is always something for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to lie. I had the best burger of my LIFE in India. Maybe it was because it was toward the end of my stay, and I did not have beef. I talked to a couple of my Muslim friends from India awhile ago, and they eat beef there all the time. Although it is HUGELY frowned upon. To be honest, it is really hard to find. People get offended. Also, to what Mikaela said, yeah McDonald's in India had no beef items on the menu (at least when I went). And yes, it sucked. Interesting read though, it shows how religion can have such an impact on a state.
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