GASD71

Evolution of Street Food

 

Growing up Kamala would see street vendors selling Bajji, Pakoda, Vada, Idli, Dosai, and Sundal every day but would rarely be allowed to buy food from them. Rajeswary on the other hand said that the sole purpose of her attending temple events was to sneak away and purchase popcorn sold by street vendor. Social settings were definitely at the stand of these street venders. It was not uncommon to see men gathered around tea stands eating Vada and reading the paper or having heated debates and discussions. Due to the cultural shifts in Canada socialization happens through long phone calls and occasional visits from friends and families over the weekend. The  consumption of tea when guests come over continues today as well as serving sweets and short eats such as Vada. 

 

Kamala revisits India frequently and mentions the changes in street food that she has noticed there. There are now more of a variety of food like samosa, chat varieties, bhelpuri, pani puri (food from other parts of India). Socialization continues to occur at these stands but the movement and influence of other cultures via foods is evident.