Australian YouTuber faces backlash for referring to Indian spices as 'dirt' in viral post
The controversy began when an X user shared a post praising Indian cuisine, saying, "Indian food is the best on earth. Fight me."
PTC News Desk: An Australian YouTuber has ignited a social media uproar after making derogatory comments about Indian cuisine, specifically targeting its spices. Sydney Watson's remarks have faced widespread condemnation, with many users defending the rich culinary heritage and cultural significance of Indian food.
The controversy began when a user on X (formerly Twitter) praised Indian cuisine with a post saying, "Indian food is the best on earth. Fight me," accompanied by a vibrant photo of various curries and rice. While the post was intended to celebrate Indian food, Watson’s response quickly shifted the tone. She commented, "It really, really isn't."
The situation escalated when Watson followed up with, "If your food requires you to put dirt spices all over it in order for it to be palatable, your food is not good." She further added, "It all tastes like burning. People who like this are masochistic."
These comments sparked a strong backlash from social media users. Many took to the platform to defend the historic and cultural importance of Indian spices and cuisine.
One user responded with historical context, stating, "Sydney, as far back as the Romans, people have been importing spices from India in quantities so great, Ptolemy complained 'There is no year in which India does not drain the Roman Empire of fifty million sesterces'. The point is spice goes on nearly all food."
Others mocked Watson's culinary preferences, with comments such as, "It's okay to like bland food without projecting," and "This of course, coming from the country that brought us true delicacies like 'pineapple beetroot hamburger' and 'vegemite on toast'."
Another user said, "It's okay if you don't like spicy, but condemning is where we draw the line, please."
One comment simply stated, "Who cares! You stick with your boiled potatoes while we savour our flavorful delicacy."
Indian cuisine continues to gain international acclaim, with four dishes featured in Taste Atlas' prestigious list of the "100 Best Dishes in the World" for this year. Leading the list is Butter Garlic Naan, which secured 7th place, followed by Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) at 43, Tikki at 47, and Tandoori Chicken at 48.
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