How do Indian Students Manage Food and Culture in the USA?

The USA finds a position among the best 3 countries to study abroad for Indian students due to many reasons. It is a renowned destination for high-quality education and globally ranked and recognised universities. Furthermore, there are several benefits of studying Master’s in the USA for Indian students. This includes post-studying work rights and career opportunities. However, Indian students studying abroad for the first time may find it difficult to get by at first. Many will question the ease of finding Indian food in the USA for students. Being away from Indian food and culture can make some students feel homesick. 

People wondering how Indian students manage food in the USA can read this blog to know where to look. 

Why is Finding Indian Food in the USA for Indian Students Important?

Indian students who are away from studying abroad may be prone to homesickness. Being able to experience Indian food and culture will play an important in helping students adjust and achieve success.        

During study abroad, Indian students may encounter challenges. These challenges could leave students feeling down and unmotivated. 

But, having a taste of home food and some Indian friends to socialise with can lift the spirits. Indian students’ social life in the USA can be aided with the help of the immense Indian community. Being around people with similar customs and traditions helps students know they are not alone. 

Both food and culture can play a role in helping Indian students excel educationally and personally. So, where do Indian students in the USA find Indian food?

How Do Indian Students Manage Food in the USA?

It is not impossible or even difficult to find Indian food in the USA. The country boasts of a very large Indian population and this benefits Indian students in the country. 

But it’s not just Indian students who like Indian food. It is a well-loved cuisine enjoyed by Americans. That said, finding Indian food in the USA for students who want it won’t be that hard. Here are 8 ways Indian students manage food in the USA.     

1. Homecooked Food

Indian food isn’t too hard to make if you have all the right ingredients. Indians who have recently come to the USA must have easy-to-make Indian food for students. 

Perhaps a few Indian students can come together and cook meals together. This is especially possible for Indian students living off-campus together. Indian food doesn’t take a lot of expertise or time to cook, either.         

Looking for accommodation in the USA? Read all about Securing Accommodation in the USA for Students.

 2. Buying Food From Indian Communities in the US

There is a high demand for Indian food and a large community of Indians in the USA. This makes things a lot easier for Indian students searching for a taste of home. 

Many Indians in the community may choose to make food at home and sell it. These small businesses make Indian communities in the US so important. Indian students who know people in the Indian community can connect and make arrangements.

Homemade food made by individuals in the community does tend to be healthier. Also, it will taste more like homemade food than restaurant-grade Indian food.                     

 3. University Food Services

Some cafeterias across the USA may cater to Indian food for meals. This is most likely if Indian culture in the USA is taken up by local students as well. Additionally, if the university has a large Indian student population, they may consider this option. 

It wouldn’t be unlikely for certain Indian foods to be highly popular among international students. That said, universities with a high intake of international students may offer alternative cuisines. Indian food is bound to be on the menu!

 4. Food Delivery Services

Another option for Indian students is quickly becoming the most popular option for buying multi-cuisine food. Indian culture in the USA is quite prominent, and people from multiple backgrounds enjoy the food. 

Many American food delivery service apps like DoorDash, GrubHub, and Postmates will cater to Indian food requirements. 

For people wondering how Indian students manage food in the USA, food delivery services are a great answer. An added perk is that students don’t have to travel out to fetch it. This acts as a convenient option for Indian students.     

5. Dine-In Indian Restaurants in the USA

Indian students in nearby commercial areas can even opt to eat out if they prefer going out. This option also allows students to leave campus or off-campus accommodation to have unique experiences.

Several Indian restaurants in the USA offer a good Indian cultural scene in addition to authentic Indian food. This option helps students to experience more cultures and spend time with friends who may also like Indian food. Not to mention, it also works to develop Indian students’ social life in the USA

6. Fast Food Trucks 

Food trucks are very popular in America. These trucks are found all over the country and offer various cuisines. One cuisine that will surely be found in food trucks is Indian food. 

These food trucks are easily accessible and cost-efficient. This makes for a guaranteed way of finding Indian food in the USA for Indian students. Students can ask the truck owners where they are stationed to ensure they can get to the truck at the right time. 

7. Events Organised by Indian Communities in the US

Indian people are known for celebrating a large list of festivities throughout the year. Being part of the local Indian community comes with benefits. Participating in these festivities gives students a taste of the Indian culture that the USA doesn’t normally offer.

But apart from getting to experience home traditional away from home, there is another advantage. Where there are Indian people and Indian festivities taking place, there is bound to be food as well. 

Indian community events act as one of the ways of finding Indian food in the USA for students

8. Potlucks and Friend Gatherings

Potlucks and friend gatherings are great social events for international students. These events usually require each person to bring a home-cooked dish. This helps the other members understand more about their friend circle’s cuisines.

Where Can Indian Students Find Indian Culture in the USA?

The biggest shift Indian students will face in the USA is a completely different culture to Indian culture. Indian students will miss being a part of their traditions and cultures. So, when studying abroad, where can Indian students in the USA experience Indian culture? Here are 3 ways to stay in touch with Indian culture.   

• Form a Group With Other International Indian Students: 

US universities are commonplace for Indian students looking for the best higher studies experience. Because of this, there are bound to be more Indian students in the same university. Making a group with these students helps them experience Indian culture that US universities don’t offer.  

• Mix With the Local Indian Community: 

Students moving to the USA for studies can find out if there is a local Indian community. They can keep in touch with them and attend events if there is one. This will help students feel at home and celebrate some of the bigger Indian cultural festivities such as Holi, Diwali, and more. 

• Virtually Connect With Family:

Indian students’ social life in the USA may be quite chilled, given the requirements of studies and even a part-time job. Connecting with family and friends over the phone and video calls can help you feel part of a community.   

Find out how to manage a part-time job while studying abroad.

Choose The WorldGrad for Study Abroad in the USA

The WorldGrad is a leading education provider catering to the requirements of Indian students aspiring to study abroad. Through our Smart Programs, Indian students can gain admission into top US universities to pursue their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the USA. 

• All American Undergraduate Program
• All American Graduate Program

Apart from getting to study at globally ranked and recognised universities in the USA, The WorldGrad students get the following benefits:

1. Cost Savings Through Scholarships              

Students can get financial aid through The WorldGrad and their overseas partners.  

2. Accelerated Education

Choosing The WorldGrad allows students to start their studies immediately. They can complete 9 credits worth of their degree within 2 to 3 months. Other paperwork, such as travel and financial documentation, can be completed while studying.

3. Multiple Intakes

Students don’t have to wait long till the next intake as there are multiple intakes. This helps to save time as students can start immediately.  

4. Benefit from our 2X higher visa success rate.

Our students experience a benefit from our 2X higher visa success rate.

Conclusion

Understandably, moving to a new country such as the USA can lead to challenges for Indian students. Not having Indian food and culture can dampen an Indian student. The first thought that crosses their minds must be how do Indian students manage food in the USA.

Indian students in the USA can find Indian food from homemade meals, food delivery services, food trucks, Indian community events, potlucks/friend gatherings, buying from Indian communities in the US, and Indian restaurants.

FAQs 

Q.1 How do Indian students manage food in the USA?
A.1 Indian students usually face difficulties initially due to a lack of Indian food and culture in the USA. But, they can cook Indian food at home, arrange food from Indian communities, use food delivery services, and dine out at Indian restaurants in the USA.

Q.2 Is it hard to find Indian food in the USA?
A.2 Finding Indian food in the USA for students is not that hard as Indian food is popular in the USA. There are various places to find it.

Q.3 Is Indian food in the USA expensive?
A.3 The cost of Indian food in various states in the USA varies. Also, where you get it from will affect the cost of the food.

Q.4 Are there many Indian restaurants in the USA?
A.4 Yes, several restaurants are offering Indian food in the USA. The cuisine is quite popular and there are certain areas as well that are densely populated by Indian restaurants. Finding Indian food in the USA for Indian students can become easier when finding these areas.

Q.5 Is Indian food good in the USA?
A.5 The taste of the Indian food will be different depending on the chef. The amount of spices and preparation techniques will differ as per the cook’s preferences. Nonetheless, all the food will bring a smile and taste of home to Indian students.