WASHINGTON, U.S., January 24, 2011: In New Delhi a group of hungry college students crowded around the newest food stall in an upscale market: the American Hotdog Factory. Its sign proudly announced ‘real American hotdogs for the first time in India.’ But these ‘hawdawgs’ – the Indian pronunciation – aren’t exactly what they would find on the streets of New York or at ballpark concession stands across America. The top-selling item at this stand is the ‘American Desi,’ a mushy, green log of spicy potatoes, soybeans, peas, garlic, peppers and onions held together by a fat hot-dog bun and topped with raw onions and thick mayo chutney. No cows or pigs were harmed in the making of this sandwich.<\/p>\n
For generations, Americans have tweaked Indian recipes to better suit their taste buds. Now it’s India’s turn to play with American food, as more U.S. restaurants open here. Americans already doing business here have quickly learned that ‘America’ is itself a brand. To many Indians, that brand symbolizes affluence, aspiration and good hygiene. But while Indians might love the idea of eating at an American eatery, they aren’t looking for authentic American cuisine. <\/p>\n