U.S. Vice President JD Vance is set to visit India later this month with his wife, Usha Vance. This trip marks their second international journey since taking office, following a trip to France and Germany. For Usha, it will be a special visit, as she returns to her ancestral homeland. Her parents emigrated from India to the United States.
While details about the trip are still to be revealed, one thing is certain: Vance has a passion for Indian cuisine, especially vegetarian dishes. During an appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience," he talked about his love for Indian food and named paneer, rice, and chickpeas as his favorites.
“I’m married to an Indian-American. They make very good vegetarian food,” Vance shared, praising his wife’s cooking skills. He explained that he initially was not familiar with Indian cuisine when they first met. As a ‘meat and potatoes’ guy from Ohio, he decided to impress Usha by attempting to cook for her. However, his culinary skills back then were questionable. He remembered making a rather unappetizing ‘vegetarian pizza’ that consisted of crescent rolls topped with raw broccoli and ranch dressing.
Usha Vance has also noted her husband’s strong affinity for Indian food. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, she mentioned, “Although he’s a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, he adapted to my vegetarian diet and learned to cook food from my mother—Indian food.”
The couple enjoys exploring vegetarian dishes, and their experiences highlight a broader trend. According to a recent survey by the Vegetarian Resource Group, about 8% of Americans identify as vegetarian. This is an increase from previous years, suggesting more people are choosing plant-based diets.
Indian cuisine, in particular, is becoming popular for vegetarians because it offers a wide variety of delicious options. With spices and flavors that pack a punch, it can be an exciting and fulfilling dietary choice.
Vance encourages anyone interested in vegetarianism to explore Indian dishes. His journey with food reflects a growing acceptance and interest in diverse culinary traditions in American culture.
As they prepare for their trip, it’s clear that food will play a significant role in the Vances’ experience in India, both personally and culturally. For more insights into vegetarian diets and trends, you can check out the Vegetarian Resource Group’s findings.
Check out this related article: Senators Hickenlooper and Bennet Demand Transparency in Military Food Expenditures: What It Means for Taxpayers
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