Page 51 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

pace at which the world a quintessential part of Sukhumvit today; continues to uphold in their own way; and
evolves around us can take there was no EmQuartier nor Iconsiam; even the small things, such as the nostalgic
us by surprise. 15 years ago, PromptPay wouldn’t be introduced for smell of pad krapao filtering through the air
when Masala Magazine another eight years; and nobody would have and the indomitable Bangkok traffic.
was just a fledgling publication, with the dreamed that Thailand would be the first th
dream of being the voice of the Thai-Indian country in Southeast Asia to legalise cannabis. On the dawn of Masala’s 15 Anniversary,
community, so many things that we take for we’ve looked back on the ways that the
granted today did not exist or were still in But, of course, there are things in this beloved Indian community has progressed: our
their infancy: streaming barely existed, and Kingdom that would always stay the same: changes, triumphs, and achievements,
Netflix was mostly known as a DVD rental the sense of community among the Indian while expressing our heartfelt gratitude to
company; Grab did not exist and neither diaspora in Thailand; the rich tapestry of everyone who has gotten us thus far, in big
did the scores of motorbike taxis that are culture that each subsequent generation and small ways.

THE CULINARY LANDSCAPE POLITICS

While Bangkok has always been known as a culinary haven in the While Thai-Indians have been an integral part of the fabric of Thai
region, and indeed, a destination for foodies from around the world society for decades, the journey towards true acceptance has seen
to enjoy; the presence of Indian food in the city and the country considerable strides in the last 15 years, and political representation
at large has grown exponentially. 15 years ago, renowned Indian has been no small part of that. At one point, Indian politicians,
restaurants in the city, such as longtime favourite Royal IndiaS, representing the interests of the community and promoting Indian
were few and far between, and many were considered casual dining values and culture among the Thai people, would have been a
spots. Only a few fine-dining staples existed, including beloved pipe dream. Now, while it still rightfully brings a warm glow of
haunts such as Indus and Rang Mahal. pride to see desi faces among our political representatives, it is no

The integration of Indian food into the upper echelons of Thailand’s longer a surprise, thanks in part to the efforts of, and representation
dining scene has been a true treat, and not just for our palate. The by, community members such as Rahm Khuruwanit and Nikorn
city is now bursting with Indian culinary options, not just from Sachdev.

North India or South India, but cuisine from all over the country Thai politicians, too, have embraced the unique perspectives
has been celebrated, with fireside and coastal cuisine recently that Thai-Indians bring to the table, and are trying to foster better
making their mark. Indian restaurants have been eagerly recognised relationships not just with the Indian diaspora here, but with India
not just by local Thais but on an international scale, with the itself. In 2023, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA),
number of Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in Thailand growing together with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad Association Thailand
significantly. Chef Garima Arora, who is the first Indian woman (VHP) and the Indian Association of Thailand (IAT), hosted the
to win a Michelin star, now boasts two stars with Gaa, while both first-ever official Diwali celebration in the iconic Phahurat Road,
Inddee and Haoma have also been recognised with their own a historic, three-day occasion that had the support of Bangkok’s
stars (with the latter also holding a Michelin Green Star for its governor Chadchart Sittipunt and several sponsors. Moreover,
efforts towards sustainability). Other restaurants in the Michelin Thailand and India’s government have both announced closer
Guide span Punjab Grill, Indus, Tiffin by La Sala in Phuket, ties in several ways, including visa-free entries for both citizens to
Jhol, and Ms.Maria and Mr.Singh. Moreover, world-renowned each other’s respective countries.
restaurant Gaggan Anand is in the top 10 of the World’s 50 Best
Restaurants 2024 list.

Vegetarian and vegan options have also flourished in the last few
years, and no longer is it the case that Indian families only eat home
in fear of not finding anything appropriate – now, the options are
endless, with an array of cuisines beyond just Thai and Indian.

It’s true that change is often frightening, but if there’s

one thing the Thai-Indian community has proved, it’s
that their resilience, sense of identity, and love for each

other will carry them through – perhaps different, but

all the better for it.
Here’s to another 15 years of changes!

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