"How to Not Smell Like Curry”: NRI woman shares tips on avoiding curry smell; sparks debate online

In an increasingly globalised world, cultural exchanges are more common than ever, leading to both enriching experiences and sometimes uncomfortable confrontations with stereotypes. One recent example has sparked widespread discussion: a viral video by an Indian content creator in the United States offering tips on how to avoid the smell of Indian food, particularly curry. While the video garnered millions of views, it also reignited a conversation about the racial stereotype that associates people of Indian descent with the smell of curry.The video by Shivee Chauhan, an Indian content creator from San Francisco, has sparked significant debate and drawn attention to the racial stereotypes surrounding the scent of Indian food, particularly curry. In the video, titled "How to Not Smell Like Curry," Chauhan shares her personal strategies for preventing the lingering smell of spices and cooking on her clothes. These tips include wearing dedicated cooking attire and quickly changing out of her office clothes after preparing meals.Chauhan's video is centred around her efforts to avoid the stereotype that people from India—or those who cook Indian food—carry a strong scent of curry. In the video, she explains that she wears "dedicated cooking clothes" and immediately changes out of her office attire after returning home to prevent the smell of garlic, onion, and spices from transferring onto her everyday clothing. She also warns against wearing jackets near the kitchen, as the scent can stick and be difficult to remove, even after dry cleaning.While Chauhan’s tips were appreciated by some viewers, the video quickly stirred a larger conversation about the racial stereotype that associates people of Indian or South Asian descent with the smell of curry. For many, this stereotype is rooted in Western misconceptions about Indian food and culture. Curry, and its strong spices, have become emblematic of Indian cuisine in the West, and this association is sometimes used in a reductive, stereotypical manner to generalise about people of Indian descent.The reactions to the video were mixed. Some viewers appreciated the practical tips Chauhan offered, especially those who, like her, cook with potent spices and have experienced the lingering smells in their homes or clothes. One commenter, Alekhya, explained that in Western countries, the scent of Indian food tends to linger longer in homes compared to India, where such smells are more common and less noticeable. She argued that Chauhan's video was more about dealing with the persistent smell of onions and spices in a practical way rather than trying to conform to Western beauty standards or "whitewashing."On the other hand, many critics felt that the video reinforced harmful racial stereotypes. Some saw it as an attempt to distance oneself from Indian culture or, in a way, to apologise for the smell of Indian food, which they felt was a reflection of cultural self-denial. One commenter called the video a "white people concept," accusing Chauhan of internalising a stereotype that associates curry smells with inferiority or discomfort.At the heart of the debate lies the larger issue of how non-Western cultures, especially those from South Asia, are often reduced to a narrow set of clichés in Western media and popular culture. For decades, curry and its strong aroma have been stereotypically associated with Indian people in the West, sometimes used to other or exoticize them. This has been perpetuated in movies, TV shows, and casual conversations, where the “smell of curry” is sometimes invoked in a mocking or negative context.Chauhan's video unintentionally tapped into this stereotype, raising questions about how people of Indian origin navigate cultural pride, assimilation, and the desire to be accepted in a predominantly Western society. While the tips shared in the video were seemingly practical, they highlighted how some individuals may feel the need to conform to Western norms—whether consciously or unconsciously—by distancing themselves from what is considered "other" or "foreign" in the eyes of mainstream Western culture.Ultimately, the viral video sparked a complex and layered conversation about race, culture, and identity. For some, Chauhan’s practical advice was simply a way of managing the realities of cooking with strong-smelling ingredients in a Western home. For others, it was seen as reinforcing stereotypes about Indian people and their food, contributing to a long-standing issue of cultural marginalisation and the negative associations tied to Indian cuisine.As discussions about cultural appropriation, representation, and identity continue to evolve, this viral moment serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities involved when it comes to navigating cultural stereotypes—whether intentionally or inadvertently.Also Read | Pizza Hut China launches unique limited-edition Goblin Pizza with a deep-fried frog and gaming twist