The Sandip Roy Show
How caste influences food—from cookbooks to public health ft Sylvia Karpagam and Sucharita Kanjilal
Mar 17, 2025
In a thought-provoking discussion, culinary scholar Sucharita Kanjilal and public health expert Sylvia Karpagam dive into how caste shapes food narratives in India. They explore the rise of diverse cookbooks that reflect both privilege and representation, analyzing their potential to challenge traditional views or reinforce existing divides. The guests also tackle the impact of economic status on dietary practices, the political nuances of food choices, and the necessity of integrating cultural wisdom into public health policies. It's a fascinating look at food as a lens for understanding social justice.
49:59
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Quick takeaways
- Social media has empowered diverse home chefs in India to share their culinary narratives, expanding the representation beyond traditional celebrity chefs.
- The intersection of caste and food continues to influence public health, with dietary restrictions often exacerbating inequalities and health crises among marginalized communities.
Deep dives
The Rise of Home Chefs on Social Media
Social media has significantly transformed the landscape for home chefs, showcasing a diverse array of culinary talents beyond celebrity chefs. Individuals like a woman from Northeast India highlight regional dishes, such as her daily thali that features lesser-known fermented foods. Additionally, a rural Bengal mother-son duo captures attention with their traditional cooking methods on a mud stove, often including fresh fish or chicken. This explosion in food content has expanded culinary narratives and created a platform for various cultural representations in India's dining scene.
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