The Rise of ‘Desi Chinese’ as a Cultural Phenomenon
The Rise of ‘Desi Chinese’ as a Cultural Phenomenon By Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder and Director, Lenexis Foodworks (Chinese Wok, Big Bowl and The Momo Co.) Can a dish that was never meant to exist become a symbol of cultural identity and national pride? This is the story of Desi Chinese, an unexpected fusion that, against all odds, has become one of India’s most beloved culinary phenomena. Born out of necessity and the chance meeting of two very different culinary traditions, Desi Chinese now stands as a testament to India’s unique ability to adapt, innovate, and redefine global influences. What started as an accidental blending of Chinese techniques and Indian spices has grown into a nationwide obsession, becoming not just a cuisine but a symbol of modern India’s evolving identity. The roots of Desi Chinese lie in the Chinese migrant community that settled in Kolkata in the early 19th century, blending Sichuan cooking techniques with Indian spices. This fusion gave birth t...