NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
November 26, 2024: A recent Instagram post by Shivee Chauhan, a digital creator based on the West Coast, has ignited an intense online debate. Chauhan, who shares her experiences as an Indian immigrant under the handle Desi Lifestyle: Indian in USA, addressed a topic both mundane and deeply personal: how to avoid the smell of curry lingering on clothes after cooking.
The post, titled Avoid the smell of curry sticking to your clothes, struck a chord with many but also drew criticism, opening a window into the intersection of immigrant identity, cultural pride, and social expectations.
Chauhan’s video offered tips on minimizing the scent of Indian spices and onions clinging to clothes after cooking. She emphasized practical measures like wearing separate “cooking clothes” and using proper ventilation.
While some praised her for tackling a relatable issue, others accused her of pandering to stereotypes and perpetuating negative narratives about South Asians. The comments section quickly became a microcosm of the broader diaspora experience, featuring both constructive discussions and polarized opinions.
Many followers found Chauhan’s advice helpful and relatable.
One commenter wrote:
“When you live in the US or Canada and cook Indian food or dishes with spices and onions, you may notice that the scent tends to linger more, unlike in India. This isn’t about ‘whitewashing,’ but rather dealing with the persistent after-smell of onions.”
Another chimed in with practical appreciation:
“This is a major thing people deal with. My family and I use these tips too.”
Some even saw Chauhan’s video as breaking a taboo, saying:
“I wanted to make a post around this but was too concerned about offending someone. Thank you for making this video.”
On the other hand, several commenters felt that the post catered to internalized racism and unfairly prioritized fitting into Western norms.
One passionate critic remarked:
“Never had anyone in my entire decade in the UK saying I smell like curry. Everyone cooks, you know? Even the Africans. Stop taking slurs seriously! People who smell, smell irrespective of their ethnicity!”
Others questioned the premise itself, suggesting the issue lies in hygiene rather than spices:
“A good detergent and deodorant are all you need. The notion of spice sticking to clothes is nonsense.”
The post also sparked larger cultural reflections.
A commenter compared cultural biases, saying:
“If we can tolerate people smelling like weed, vaping everywhere, using overpowering perfumes…then they can tolerate the smell of our food. It’s just food.”
Another saw the debate as a teaching moment for all cultures, adding:
“Giving tips to maintain hygiene is not internalized racism. It just solidified my decision to get an apron too!”
Chauhan’s post highlights the tightrope walk many immigrants face: balancing pride in their heritage while adapting to the cultural and social expectations of their adopted homes.
For some, the conversation about curry smell represents deeper struggles with stereotyping and racism. For others, it’s a practical issue that transcends ethnic boundaries, akin to the Chinese hotpot enthusiast who related:
“A session of hotpot got our hair, clothes, and breath smelling like beef and broth. It’s normal to want to smell nice.”
In the age of social media, even seemingly simple lifestyle tips can touch upon broader themes of identity, belonging, and cultural pride. Whether her audience sees her video as a service, a critique, or a compromise, it has undeniably sparked conversations within and outside the global Indian diaspora.
Cover photo courtesy: Shivee Chauhan/Instagram
