'Most patients in Malabar districts'; Social media abuzz over Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri's dig at Kerala's Arabic food culture
Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri, the master chef and caterer known for preparing grand feasts for the school arts festivals in Kerala, ignited a debate over his opinion on Malayalees' newfound craze for Arabic cuisines.
Pazhayidom was responding to questions from editors of a popular English newspaper.
Pazhayidom:
“Arabic foods are prepared in a way to suit the climate and environment of the Gulf countries. Emulating the same in Kerala has resulted in drastic consequences. North Malabar districts in Kerala account for most patients who reach the hospital due to dietary issues.
The sudden switch from our traditional cuisines to Arabic has not boded well among Malayalees. The rising health ailments among many are signs of the same. In my opinion, it is best to choose foods that are compatible with our climatic conditions. It doesn’t mean one should not try Arabic food. But don’t make it a habit of consuming those cuisines on a daily basis.
I don’t think there is any need for the food culture to change in Kerala. People who are travelling should try different cuisines from different places. But here, we are trying to celebrate a different food culture and make it our own. Sadly, such topics on food culture could easily provoke harsh criticism, and many will work ways to bring a communal angle into it. We can’t do anything about it because our people are like that.”
The social media is divided over the opinion made by Kerala’s master chef. Some agreed with the views, calling it a ‘bitter truth’ while a few others labelled Kerala’s traditional Sadhya as the worst junk food of all.
Others blamed the preparation of the Arabic food in Kerala terming it as unhealthy compared to the leafy mix and salads that accompany meat cuisines in gulf countries.
Few comments on social media responding to the issue:
- There is a 300 per cent increase in colon Cancer in Kerala. Next after North Eastern States. Better follow a Vegeterian or Lacto Vegetarian Diet. Else Suffer.
- This is far-fetched and without any medical evidence. Pesticides and fertilisers used on vegetables are more dangerous.
- Please don’t eat charcoal-cooked meat. It comes with carcinogens