Why Gujaratis lose the 'spice' of their life in the US

I often hear these expressions at Gujarati gatherings in America.

- DR ARPAN YAGNIK

As a social scientist in a leading American University, I observe the society. One thing I have observed is that for Gujaratis living in America, the absence of familiar flavors and authentic taste is a big void in their lives.

The vibrant, diverse cuisine of Gujarat, renowned for its rich culinary heritage, is a far cry from the often homogenized and spice-shy food landscape of America. This disparity has led to the emergence of a unique phenomenon within the Gujarati American community, which I have named as "Taste Deserts".

Taste desert is an immigrant concept where the availability of authentic taste and flavor of food is scanty or non-existent. Gujaratis and even other Indians living in America are living in Taste Deserts.