Padma Lakshmi Discusses the Origins of Apple Pie
Padma Lakshmi, a well-known Indian immigrant and former model, is not shy about her views on apple pie. She claims it isn’t authentically American, pointing out that the dough, filling, and spices differ significantly from what people might expect. “It’s not American-style,” she said, in a conversation just ahead of Thanksgiving, a time when many Americans take to the kitchen to prepare traditional dishes.
Her critiques extend beyond apple pie; she also has a negative take on other staple American foods like turkey, corn, and cranberries. Lakshmi quipped, “If we only ate things native to the U.S., we’d be living off packrats and wild garlic.”
Lakshmi arrived in the U.S. at the age of five with her mother and has a nuanced relationship with the country. While she appreciates what America has offered her family, she remains critical of various aspects. “I love this country for what it has given me and my mother,” she acknowledges.
In her view, immigrants are crucial to America’s identity and functionality. “Without immigrants, everything from food systems to technology and healthcare would grind to a halt,” she asserted. Her remarks about technology refer to the debates surrounding Indian workers in the tech sector, an assertion facing skepticism among U.S. experts.
Lakshmi believes that some immigrants harbor resentment toward American society, particularly towards its historical achievements. This tension arises from, perhaps, a feeling of being overlooked or marginalized in comparison to the accomplishments of everyday Americans. As immigrants push for recognition and promote their own cultural heritage, conflict often seems inevitable.
Interestingly, some immigrants and their offspring opt to assimilate into American culture by adopting more Americanized names or converting to Christianity. This reflects a deeper, perhaps complicated, relationship with identity and belonging.
Lakshmi has spoken candidly about her dismissive attitude toward what she refers to as “ordinary Americans.” This may not only stem from her experiences in the U.S. but also from her background in India, where social stratification exists. She notes that higher castes, like the Brahmins, once purported an elite status, often denying others access to communal feasts.
Despite her critical stance, Lakshmi has managed to establish a successful career in the U.S. She has lived there for most of her life and even became a naturalized citizen. Yet, political changes, particularly during Donald Trump’s administration, made her feel like an outsider once again. Since 2017, she has been active in immigrant rights advocacy.
Now, while working on her new show, “America’s Culinary Cup,” set to air on CBS, Lakshmi aims for authenticity in her portrayal of food. The show appears to have similarities to the British series, “The Great British Bake Off,” though she assures her focus will be far more substantial than just culinary challenges. “All of our chefs are professionals and will teach you the skills of an authentic restaurant in a Michelin-star kitchen,” she explained, adding that they plan to donate $1 million as part of the initiative.
Interestingly, in a recent British Bake Off competition, Scottish contestant Jasmine Mitchell expressed her hope to make Scotland proud by showcasing her heritage, a sentiment that resonates in the broader context of cultural traditions and identity.
