Malayalam Writer Questions Why Bikaji, Samosas, And Other North Indian Snacks Are Served On The ‘South Indian Vande Bharat’

Debates around cultural imposition in India have become increasingly frequent in recent years. Southern states have often raised concerns over the imposition of Hindi, viewing it as a threat to their linguistic identity. Now, the discussion has extended beyond language to food choices as well. A recent controversy emerged when a Malayalam writer called out the Vande Bharat Express menu on the Bengaluru-Coimbatore route.

Malayalam writer slams Vande Bharat menu served on Bengaluru-Coimbatore route, ‘They speak about language imposition. What about food imposition?’

In recent times, the conversation around cultural imposition in India has moved beyond just language. While the long-standing debate over Hindi being pushed in non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala continues, a new angle has now entered the picture  and that is, food. Many people from South India feel that their unique culture is being sidelined, not just in terms of language, but also in everyday aspects like cuisine.

This fresh concern was brought to light when Malayalam writer M.S. Madhavan took to social media platform X to voice his displeasure with the food served on the Vande Bharat Express running between Bengaluru and Coimbatore.

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He shared a photo of the menu and wrote as we quote,

“They speak about language imposition. What about food imposition. Typical snacks served in South Indian Vande Bharat trains. This one from Bengaluru-Coimbatore VB.”

His post suggested that the snacks offered on the train did not reflect South Indian culinary traditions and felt more North Indian in nature.

His statement quickly caught people’s attention online. Many users agreed with him, saying that food, like language, is a vital part of one’s identity. They felt that the central authorities must consider regional food preferences, especially on trains running through specific states.

To say that this incident has sparked a new layer in the ongoing cultural debate in India would be a sheer understatement.

Have a look at the whole tweet

They speak about language imposition. What about food imposition. Typical snacks served in South Indian Vande Bharat trains. This one from Bengaluru-Coimbatore VB. pic.twitter.com/z2ZuSo6q7T

— N.S. Madhavan (@NSMlive) April 15, 2025

Netizens took to the comment section and reacted in a plethora of ways

The writer’s post sparked a wave of mixed reactions online. While some users agreed that regional trains should serve local cuisine and acknowledged the lack of attention from authorities, others pointed out that South Indian dishes like idli and dosa are widely available across India without being seen as imposition. A few dismissed the concern altogether, saying poor railway food quality is a bigger issue than regional variety.

The comment section quickly turned into a broader discussion on food, identity, and regional pride. Have a look at some of the worth-checking-out comments.

99% of restaurants in the North serve Idli-Dosa as staple items. Food imposition saar 🤡

— Monica Verma (@TrulyMonica) April 16, 2025

I’m from North/West India and though I personally do not have any specific food preferences, I agree that trains serving a particular region should take into account the dietary preferences of the region.

— Maneesh Mohnot 🇮🇳 (@winsplit) April 16, 2025

We get idli from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, no one cries imposition

— Kuldeep (@4bh1j33) April 15, 2025

Yeah this is actually intriguing, never a central government or railways gave attention.

Anyway these caterers don’t know how to cook food either it is North Indian or south Indian, if you have not tasted worst food, then go and experience in railways and

North people give…

— Rajendra Koushik A C (@rajcoolgem2007) April 16, 2025

What is this ye!
They give Idly vada sambhar in the morning in Mysore VB. and no one is complaining that they aren’t giving Ragi Mudde and Boti curry!!

— Aut Vishnu aut nihil (@vishnubogi) April 17, 2025

These guys have lost mental balance

They are just hateful trouble makers

— MiddleClass Hindu (@hindu_in_middle) April 16, 2025

I thought VB served local snacks on such routes. It is a genuine preference and should be considered.

But to call it food imposition is exaggeration.

— Nandan Pandit (@npandit) April 16, 2025

Earlier this week, removal of Hindi from digital display boards at Bengaluru’s international airport was celebrated on X

Before the food imposition debate gained traction, the spotlight was already on the issue of language imposition. Earlier this week, a viral post on X celebrated the removal of Hindi from digital display boards at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, promoting the use of only Kannada and English.

Many users supported the move as a step towards resisting Hindi dominance in non-Hindi speaking states. This incident once again brought the long-standing language debate back into public discourse, especially in Karnataka.

Such incidents often create a sense of divide within the country, which goes against the spirit of unity in diversity. Every culture, language, and food tradition deserves equal respect, and no community should feel that something is being imposed on them. Then only harmony can truly prevail.

What are your thoughts on this recent food imposition debate that is gaining traction via this X post? Do share your unbiased thoughts via the comments below.