Why Indian People Absolutely Love Taco Bell

August 5, 2016

Owing to religious constraints of Hinduism, most Indians consume vegetarian or poultry-based diet. This is why some find it weird that the group, in fact, loves Taco Bell.

To shed light over the matter, Indian-American Gaurav Majmudar revealed that their affinity for the fast food chain is actually rooted in history. He explained over The Huffington Post:

“Although it’s weird, and an unlikely phenomenon, there is a history behind the affection that Indian Americans have for Taco Bell. And it has to do with first generation immigrants from the eighties and nineties.”

Majmudar said his parents were part of the influx of Indian immigration. However, they saw less “culturally-relatable” food in the United States.

He summed up observations:

No South Asian-specific grocery stores for key ingredients
There were few Indian restaurants
Not much vegetarian-friendly cheap food

As it turned out, the solution they were looking for was Taco Bell.

“Taco Bell changed the fast food game for these immigrants. Not only was it cheap and quick, but it also gave a freedom that was so difficult to find in other places: choice,” Majmudar pointed.

According to the New York University student, Mexican is similar to Indian food in ways that it carries bread, dairy, vegetables and spice. “The sauces produced by Taco Bell, whether mild, hot, or fire, give that masala spice flavor that fits the palate of an Indian,” he added.

Today, it is no secret that Taco Bell has room for its vegetarian patrons. It is the first fast food chain to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA) certified food options.

Taco Bell sells 350 million vegetarian items a year. AVA-certified menu options include Breakfast Soft Taco Without Bacon, Black Bean Burrito, Veggie Power Bowl, 7-Layer Burrito and Bean Burrito, among others.

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