An Australian YouTuber has found herself in the middle of a social media storm after she criticised Indian cuisine for its “filthy spices”. Sydney Watson’s comments have sparked a strong response, with users quickly coming forward to defend the historical and cultural significance of Indian food.
The controversy began when an X user shared a post praising Indian cuisine, writing, “Indian food is the best on earth. Fight me.” The post was accompanied by a colorful photo of various curries and rice. While the post was intended to celebrate Indian food, the conversation quickly took a different turn when Sydney Watson responded, “It really, really isn’t.”
However, his comments sparked further outrage. Watson said, “If you have to put dirty spices in your food to make it tasty, then your food is not good.”
If you have to add bad spices to your food to make it tasty, then your food is not good.
— Dr. Sydney Watson (@SydneyLWatson) September 16, 2024
In another comment he wrote, “It tastes like burning. People who like it are masochists.”
His comments did not go down well with social media users.
Yes.
It all tastes like burning. People who like it are masochists.
— Dr. Sydney Watson (@SydneyLWatson) September 16, 2024
A user commented below the post, “Sydney, since the Romans have been importing such huge quantities of spices from India that Ptolemy complained that ‘there is not a year in which India does not take away fifty million sesterces from the Roman Empire’. The point is that spices are used in almost all foods.”
Sidney, since the Romans have been importing such huge quantities of spices from India that Ptolemy complained that “there is not a year in which India does not take away from the Roman Empire fifty million sesterces”. The point is that spices are used in almost all foods.
— Anu Mathimugan (@deedeewhiteshep) September 18, 2024
“It’s okay to like tasteless food without any pretense,” another quipped.
It’s okay to prefer simple food without any pretense.
— Aaron Binder (@theaaronbinder) September 16, 2024
“It certainly is, coming from the country that gave us such true delicacies as the ‘pineapple beetroot hamburger’ and ‘Vegemite on toast’,” one comment read.
This is certainly true coming from the country that gave us such true delicacies as the “pineapple beetroot hamburger” and “Vegemite on toast”.
— Chairman Birb Bernanke (@Bonecondor) September 16, 2024
Someone said, “If you don’t like spicy food that’s okay, but we draw the line when it comes to condemnation.”
If you don’t like spicy food, that’s okay, but we have our limits when it comes to criticizing. pic.twitter.com/SKailtFyam
— Duchess_Beeyah????????? (@KhadijaGarba19) September 16, 2024
One comment read, “Who cares! You just eat boiled potatoes while we enjoy our delicious dish.”
Who cares!
You just eat boiled potatoes while we enjoy our delicious dish.
— Smile and Shine ??????????????????? (@smileandshine20) September 17, 2024
Indian cuisine continues to make its mark on the global stage, with four dishes featuring on Taste Atlas’ prestigious list of “The World’s 100 Best Dishes” this year. Leading the way is the ever-popular Butter Garlic Naan, which has secured an impressive 7th place. Right behind it are Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) at 43rd, Tikki at 47th and Tandoori Chicken at 48th.
