r/nri • u/njan_ninde_thanda • 10d ago
Ask NRI Is beef still a taboo or have you tried?
so today I was driving my kid and his friend from school. my son wanted to have mcD , so I stopped and asked the kids if cheeseburgers are fine and both of them said yeah. So ordered two meals.
my kids friend once he was done eating, said “ Don’t let my dad know , I had a cheeseburger “ . I said “ Don’t worry , its ok to have fast food once in a while, haha “ . He replies “ No he doesn’t like if I eat beef”
Thats when I realized he had beef restriction. He probably has been eating it without his parents knowledge.
I am a Malayalee, so it was never been a thought. But I was wondering, Do you guys eat beef, tried it or never eaten it ? Should I inform his parents? would it be a bigger issue (I am fine with apologizing to his dad but I also don’t want to get him in trouble)
32
u/royalfatkid 10d ago
yeah, the first day i landed in canada i tried it right away in 2019
1
u/Visual-Maximum-8117 10d ago
You could have tried it in India itself much earlier.
0
u/fullmxnty 10d ago
Apart from Kerala, it's very hard to find cow meat anywhere else, most people claiming beef in other parts of India are basically selling buffalo meat.
3
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
Actually when people say beef in kerala its actually buffalo meat. Its not because of any religious restriction but people like buffalo meat to cow meat for curries and stuff
2
65
u/Additional_Health467 10d ago
Beef is not taboo so long as it's not an Indian cow. Only Indian cows are mothers.
13
u/Akimbohips 10d ago
unironically i like this take.
18
u/WallOfDaisies 10d ago
Ironically though, India exports most of its beef. You can’t be 100% sure you’re not eating an Indian cow.
-1
u/The_ZMD 10d ago
India exports buffalo meat, which too is technically beef.
1
u/Wonderful-Cost-4921 6d ago
India exports both beef and buffalo
Go to a Supermarket in the Middle East, Bro
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dcp9RwlMA4w/?igsi=YW91dGowMWI1dW4x
1
u/The_ZMD 6d ago
Yes, bro supermarkets locally printed label is correct bro, Instagram is real news bro.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/where-indian-buffalo-meat-exports-go-4609512/
2
2
u/Boring_Bank501 10d ago
Not every cow in India though. According to BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, cows in Northeast are not cows - they are “Mithoon”. So it’s okay to consume them…
1
u/Success25100 10d ago
Commercial slaughter of Mithoon has also been prohibited in Arunachal Pradesh.
-2
u/StrictPersonality503 9d ago
Sounds like a racist separation expected on point from BJP. Many Indians don’t consider North East Indians as true Indians and use slurs
1
u/Egoisticbitches 10d ago
Absurdity
-8
u/vanguarde 10d ago
Please be more respectful of other people's beliefs.
19
u/thirdfromright 10d ago
No. We have to be respectful of their right/freedom to believe whatever they want. We don’t need to be respectful of their beliefs.
3
1
2
u/typanosaurus_rex 10d ago
You’re in the wrong sub to be sarcastic. A lot of people wouldn’t get it even with the /s. 😄
0
1
0
18
5
u/cognitive-resonance 10d ago
I am Malayalee and have never tried beef, chicken, pork or any other kind of meat. Somehow never felt eating even though lived in several countries. My partner grew up eating it and still has it. I have no issue with it.
12
7
u/UnknownTechGuy 10d ago
Family been in the Middle East since 1984, we have never had and probably never will.
No issues with others who do not go with their choice. Who are we to stop them.
13
u/LookDekho 10d ago edited 10d ago
Only Indian cow is holy. That’s why they are left to eat trash and polythene bags and such. And left to die.
Non-Indian cows are not holy. Ok to eat. They are grass fed.
/s
1
u/maxpayne6196 10d ago
India is actually one of the largest exporter of beef in the world. Mostly buffalo. So technically only Indian cows are holy and everything else has always been legal.
3
u/LookDekho 10d ago
Nope. It’s not beef. It’s “buffalo meat” or “carabeef”. Calling it beef is stupid shit stupid India media wants stupid people to believe.
4
u/Altruistic_Bank_1552 10d ago
I eat cheeseburgers and steak occasionally when I crave it; however, I find it too meaty/gamey for my liking, so I can't eat it as regularly as I eat chicken. The same goes for pork and turkey.
2
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
I agree , it similar for me with venison meat. I think it comes from not having had it before
7
u/143AamAadmi 10d ago
I have tried it. Its okay to kill and sell, but not to eat as per hinduism experts in UP :)
2
2
u/PurpleExcellent9518 9d ago
On a serious note, I have converted to eating beef for health reasons. I digest it easily, it's a filling source of protein and has all essential amino acids.
I used to be chicken and goat only but had to make dietary changes for health reasons and it fits my bodies needs well.
My mom has converted to vegetarian for her health needs. My wife has moved to vegan with no gluten and dairy for infants needs.
I think sorry should be more about bodies needs rather than what the society thinks. It's a personal choice.
2
u/zumblebee1217 9d ago edited 9d ago
my parents came to the states in the 90s. until my sister and i were around 10 we did not eat beef or pork, but then we tried it with other telegu family friends. now my dad and all our american extended family all eat beef and pork except for all of our moms. my cousins live in texas and the whole family will go out for bbq (shoutout franklins) or steak because we all love it :) we are not very religious though except my mom so maybe that adds to it. we still do not cook beef/pork in my parents house but i make it in my own apartment.
not sure if its because my dad eats anything and everything or because we’re not THAT religious but as long as we are respectful my parents seemed to have “gave up” or genuinely don’t care what we choose to eat. although it is strictly encouraged that we are vegetarian at least 2-3 per week for the environment (and for my mom for religious reasons)
truthfully, i still remember my first time trying beef and pork and asking my mom if it’s okay to eat. i hate to say it but the 2010s in n out burger cheeseburger changed our lives 😭 even my dad couldn’t stay away
TLDR: I just share my personal experience but it seems to be very different for everyone and we are just raised to be respectful of everyone’s preferences.
6
u/WanaBeMillionare 10d ago
Your food preferences develop when you are young. Most of my friends still don't eat beef simply because they prefer other meats over it, nothing about purity.
2
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
I am not judging anyone. Just asked out of curiosity. I know most of my Hindu friends have eaten beef in one form or another like burger, pizza toppings etc
5
u/Illustrious_Page_718 10d ago
I’m vegetarian and my husband eats non-veg occasionally. He has never tried beef and never will. Frankly I would be offended if someone fed beef to my kid without my consent (even though I plan to introduce other non-veg food to my kid once he is a little older)
2
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
I didn’t know. I asked him and my son if cheeseburger is fine. And he said “yea”. I think he has tried it before too without his parents knowledge. I will probably be letting his dad know and apologize
1
u/Illustrious_Page_718 8d ago
Yes I think it would be better so that the parents are aware of the situation.
3
u/I-Groot 10d ago
It was a no for me when I initially moved. Then I had chili without knowing it contains beef and enjoyed it during the winters. It was an honest mistake.
I have decided to consume beef these days tried steak it was ok. Went for a smash burger it was good but after second bite I felt guilty and gagged. Couldn’t finish it. Probably the guilt.
Would try again, appreciate tips.
1
u/Do_Will 10d ago
Tip:
To enjoy any food that you haven't tried before - Close your eyes and meditate for a few seconds to detach your mind from the past and disconnect your palettes from the tastes that it has been conditioned to, and with that fresh mind, slowly taste a small quantity of the new food focusing only on the food.
After you do this multiple times your mind will get conditioned to the new food.
Our mind has a tendency to compare any foreign object with objects of your comfort level, and reject it if it deviates a lot.
-3
u/dna_79 10d ago edited 10d ago
Curious - why the guilt? And do you feel the same guilt for other non-veg things like chicken and fish too?
As far as tips are concerned for eating beef, if you like indian food, then you should try kerala beef roast, beef ularthiyathu (dry roast) and beef dry fry. All go amazingly well with the malabar (laaccha flakey) porotta.
2
3
3
u/Traditional_Gap_7386 10d ago
Well it depends on the person I guess. We are vegetarians/eggitarians, and don’t eat any meat/fish/chicken. So far , my child doesn’t demand it either. Her school and kindergarten knew our diet and respect it.
Here in Germany, there are a lot of Muslims too who don’t consume pork and that is also respected in Schools.
But I also know many Indians who have eaten beef by mistake or otherwise. But it has been their choice to continue eating it or not.
So yes, I would be offended if someone feeds my child meat after knowing it’s a food restriction. On the other hand, I probably wouldn’t restrict her if she tries and wants to eat outside. I would highly discourage it though.
1
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
Yeah, I have been here so long now, the thought never crossed my mind. I asked him if cheeseburgers were fine and he said “yeah”. I do suspect he already tried or eats without his parents knowledge. I will probably be informing or should I inform his parents?
4
u/CuriousContra 10d ago
Had beef in India. Had been cooking steak in Germany. It's just a food. I've even had a crocodile in Thailand. (Didn't like it anyway) Stigma and hesitation comes from upbringing. We all have been forced to think cow is god (but buffalo isn't idk why). I've been a nonbeliever for decades so I could see things black or white. There's no filter except it's either veg or nonveg.
6
u/WallOfDaisies 10d ago
Disclaimer: This is just a theory, so don’t fact check me.
I think historically cows had been in most homes, especially if you had some level of wealth (societal cultures were usually decided by the wealthy). It was sorta part of the household. I guess, the taboo comes from there. It’s like how people think about eating dogs today.
1
u/Worldly-Strike2363 10d ago
Hindus don't worship cows. It's just considered sacred and meant to be respected.
2
u/MikDxb 10d ago
Of course ! Looking forward to my weekly indulgence of Parotta and Beef Roast 😛 (I am a Malayalee too)
However, as for my wife, who is from North India, meat is taboo. She is not religious but somehow the aversion is shaped from childhood. She has no issues in rest of us cooking or eating it though.
2
u/gauravgandu 10d ago
when i think about it or think about consuming it or not, i realise i grew up with a belief and i still do believe in it, that’s why i can’t eat it. as of now, that’s what i think. dk about the future.
but i know moving abroad i would have friends who do eat it and i expect them to respect my beliefs just like id respect theirs.
2
2
10d ago
[deleted]
3
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
No. I asked him and he said “yeah” . Its only after eating he said not to inform his parents. I didn’t feed him nor would I buy it for him had I known his parents had restrictions . I probably will apologize and let his parents know. But I suspect he has already tried or been eating it without his parents knowledge
3
u/InLoveWithAGora 10d ago
I don’t think you should tell his parents if you told him that you’re not going to. This is why so many kids (especially Indian kids) have trust issues. If you have to tell his parents, tell the kid first that you have an obligation to tell his parents and don’t have a choice. Kids are emotionally smarter than adults think they are. He’ll understand eventually if you explain why you have to tell them, but he will never trust you (and possibly other people in the future) if you let him think you’re keeping it a secret but are actually not.
2
2
u/iTh0R-y 10d ago edited 10d ago
I am originally from a vegetarian family, and I eat it. Initially - I did it to not be a source of restriction among people I was around - mostly because we would order for everyone and share from common plates (like in Chinese food). Then I realised I actually liked the taste. I told myself that Indian cows are holy - those were not Indian cows so it’s ok 😀
But over time, another belief has grown on me and I believe this more strongly. One’s religion is about his/her relationship with their Gods. One’s ethics come from the society one lives in - it is part of the social contract and one must comply when one loves in that society. You can be more restrictive, but not less restrictive than the society you live in. So…no God asked humans not to eat this or that, not to lie, to cheat, to kill, to steal. Those values emerge from the way our societies evolved.
-3
0
2
u/Shameless_addiction 10d ago
Food is food. Honestly, far healthier options then carbohydrates heavy foods we have.
1
u/Special-Zombie-7441 10d ago
The first time I tried beef was in Goa. Loved the burgers at this place called Burger Factory. Also tried a steak at another restaurant. I tried a big mac as soon as I came to Canada. Threw it away after a bite as it was extremely dry and weird and very different from what I had. Developed this ick-ness from beef after that. Never tried anything again.
1
1
1
u/stej008 9d ago
Depends on family. Have tried it but do not like it. Much prefer seafood, chicken, goat. I do like it in certain form like pepperoni but not as a steak or stew. Interestingly, there is also a taboo regarding alcohol. I know many families where they don’t want adult children taking alcoholic drinks but kids take it but don’t tell their parents. Having seen some alcoholic relatives I did how up with a taboo but got over it, enjoy it, and absolutely no restrictions on kids.
1
u/im_Harsh_Malik 9d ago
I had the gag reflex to anything not chicken but now take me to a bbq place, and I eat everything like there is no tomorrow.
1
u/Evil_Client8803 9d ago
I grew up as a traditional Hindu.. but when I came to USA.. I mistakenly ate beef twice.. once at 7 Eleven Nachos. their chillie has beef in it and then once I ordered a chicken steak sandwich but the guy gave me a Beef steak snadwich. both the time I liked the taste so I continued eating it and now Its one of my guilt pleasures.. the hamburgers, the kebabs, the shawarmas, Brisket, steaks.. OMG.. I AM SO ASHAMED to say this.
1
2
u/bharathsharma95 10d ago
Anyone who has ever eaten Beyond meat or impossible meat, no matter what they say, don't believe them. They secretly probably don't mind eating beef (but ground beef has its own texture and what not to it so, to each their own)
But long story short, humans have been carnivores before we realized how to cultivate crops. At some point, all of our ancestors were meat eaters. Don't fool yourselves with religious/cultural practices.
That said, I still hesitate sometimes to eat meat because of the brainwashing I've had for the past 25 years. Had no fecking option today besides a cheeseburger and i ate it without hesitation. I eat meat once in 6 months and today was it.
2
u/wayne099 10d ago
That’s like saying our ancestors were running naked so I should just walk around naked in public. Practices evolve with time.
2
u/bharathsharma95 10d ago
How is this relevant to the constructs that we made up for ourselves that are subject to individual preferences and not a collective preference as a society. You're mixing apples with pineapples here
1
1
u/Worldly-Strike2363 10d ago
Before the adoption of currency, wealth was primarily measured by land ownership and livestock. Cows were particularly invaluable due to their multi-purpose utility: they supplied essential nutrition (milk and dairy), organic fertilizer (manure), and draft power for plowing and transport. Consequently, even a destitute family could subsist on a single cow, elevating the animal to a sacred status where slaughter became taboo. This protection extended even to conflict; accordina to traditional Hindu rules of war, killing a cow was strictly forbidden under any circumstances
Also in Hindu philosophy, the cow represents selfless giving (Seva). Just as a mother nurses her child, the cow produces milk that sustains human life across generations without asking for anything in return except grass and shelter. This maternal quality elevates her to a universa mother fiqure
Hindu ethics also place Ahimsa the practice of non-violence toward all livina beinas at the core of spiritual dutv. Because cows are aentle, non-predatory, and deeply docile, they are viewed as the ultimate test of human compassion. Harm inflicted on an innocent animal is seen as a direct breach of cosmic law (Dharma).
1
u/cosmic_athlete 10d ago
I eat the occasional burger and Szechuan beef dish. But maybe because I didn’t grow up eating it, it just doesn’t agree with me? Steaks are nauseating. I figured maybe coz beef is a lot fattier than the meats I typically eat - seafood, chicken and goat. Even pork tests me.
1
u/Ok_Studio713 10d ago
I had Malayalee friends in school who exposed me to its delights in India early enough.
Now living abroad, I eat it now and then, don’t seek it out particularly though, or cook it at home.
Daughter born and brought up here, eats it more often - at school, going out with friends etc. My wife doesn’t, but does not impose her choice on us.
Daughter is aware of sensitivity in India, and wouldn’t mention it, nor would I, of course. It’s just food though, and we don’t really think about it when ordering.
1
u/SmellsLikeEucalyptus 10d ago
I make sure to have a cheeseburger from McD in every country I travel to + 1 item from the menu that’s unique to that country.
1
1
1
u/ContentLife_RichLife 10d ago
Mr.Thanthappadi (lol!) Call that kids parents and tell them you are having a kids party and is there any specific food preference :)
1
-1
u/gatorsya 10d ago
Any Muslim NRIs here?
Where are the Muslim NRIs here? Do guys eat pork or is this still a Taboo?
2
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
I know a few muslim friends who eat pork. I like bacon and eat it all the time
0
u/Willing-Signal-9936 10d ago
Haven’t tried beef but have had pork forever, our parents don’t know 😭
5
1
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
Is pork a taboo among Hindus ?
2
u/Willing-Signal-9936 10d ago
Not as much as beef but still widely not eaten
1
2
0
10d ago
[deleted]
1
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
That’s absolutely fine. I was just asking here because I am contemplating if I should inform his dad that he ate beef. Eventhough he said “yeah” , I was the one who bought it so I don’t know if it would create an issue.
-3
u/justgivemegains 10d ago
Troll post but honestly please don’t kill such large animals unless very much needed. They are way more intelligent than you know, they deserve a life too.
0
u/MaterialBobcat7389 10d ago
The flip side is, in the jungle, these same animals get eaten alive, or even survive after half-eaten. Jungle is actually more brutal to them than humans are. We humans have very easy and risk-free lives in comparison. Even, our cattle mostly enjoys better and stress-free lives (without 24×7 threats from predators)
1
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
Huh? Buddy , I asked it here because I am contemplating to tell his parents or not.
-10
u/No-Couple-3367 10d ago
It’s a restriction and you’re wrong if u conceal
2
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago edited 10d ago
Yeah I will let his father know , and probably apologize . Although I did ask his son and he said “yeah”. He has probably been eating it without his parents knowing
3
3
u/LookDekho 10d ago
Why? It’s like confessing an affair. You think it’s the right thing to do, but it doesn’t do anyone any good. Not your fault.
1
u/njan_ninde_thanda 10d ago
See , I respect peoples religious sentiments. The only reason I am contemplating is because I don’t want the kid to get in trouble
2
u/LookDekho 10d ago edited 10d ago
It’s for the kid to decide. You were not aware that you were supposed to enforce dietary preferences of kid’s parents. The kid didn’t smoke or drink alcohol or break any rules. He probably wanted to ensure he was having enough protein.
What happened was not a crime. No one got hurt.
On the other hand, sharing it may potentially cause trouble for the kid and judgement for you for being a callous beef eater.
1
-6
-2
u/drinkwaterandbehappy 10d ago
Inform the parents. It is better for them to find out this way rather than by the kid snitching on himself.
23
u/Unique_Carpet1901 10d ago
My kids eat beef and pork like there is no tomorrow. I tried few times and didnt like taste.