FOOD NEWS
James Charles Sparks Online Debate After Rating Indian Dishes
American influencer James Charles has drawn mixed reactions after posting a video rating various Indian dishes, including butter chicken and pani puri, on his social media channels.
American makeup artist and YouTuber James Charles recently shared a video on Instagram documenting his experience trying a variety of Indian dishes. The influencer provided numerical ratings for each item, ranging from traditional staples like butter chicken to street food favourites such as pani puri and samosa chaat.
The reaction to the video has been varied, with social media users engaging in a lively discussion regarding his choices and terminology. While some viewers welcomed his interest in exploring Indian cuisine, others took issue with his descriptions and the limited scope of the dishes featured in his tasting session.
A Mixed Bag of Ratings and Reactions
During the video, Charles shared his impressions of several popular items. He gave garlic naan a 7/10 on its own, though his score increased to a perfect 10/10 when paired with butter chicken. He described the chicken as soft and juicy, comparing the gravy to a "vodka sauce" and calling the two dishes "sisters from different cultures." A mango lassi was also well-received, earning a 9/10, while the gulab jamun received a perfect 10/10 rating for its "glossy and glazed" appearance.However, other items did not fare as well. Charles rated pani puri a 6/10, describing the water as "vinegary and sour" and referring to the dish as "chickpea soup." Samosa chaat received a 4/10, with the influencer speculating it contained "healthy ingredients," while the lamb curry was the lowest-rated item at 2/10.
Public Response and Criticism
The video prompted immediate feedback from the online community. Some users corrected his terminology, noting that the sauce in butter chicken is traditionally referred to as "gravy." Others questioned the depth of his culinary exploration, with one commenter comparing his selection to "trying burgers and fried chicken and saying I love American food."In addition to the critiques, many users offered suggestions for other dishes he might consider trying in the future, such as vada pav or kulcha chola. The discourse highlights the ongoing interest in how global influencers engage with and interpret regional cuisines, often sparking debates about authenticity and the breadth of food representation online.
