Indian dinner customs, a 'cultural difference' for an American influencer; ‘I am always sitting there hungry’, Watch viral video

American influencer Kristen Fischer, who relocated to India three years ago, recently shared her experience of navigating cultural differences. In a viral Instagram video, she highlighted what she found to be the most challenging adjustment – India's unique approach to dinner parties.

In the United States of America (USA), Fischer was accustomed to food being served hot and promptly upon arrival at social gatherings. However, in India, she discovered that meals are typically served much later, often after extended conversations and socialising. This difference, she explained, left her puzzled and struggling to adapt.

Fischer recounted how she initially expected guests to arrive on time and for meals to be ready shortly after. Her American upbringing shaped her understanding of where food is often served quickly, allowing the conversation to follow the meal. In contrast, Indian dinner gatherings prioritise interaction and camaraderie before serving the food, which can sometimes be hours later.


Her attempts to adjust to this custom were met with challenges. Fischer shared anecdotes of leaving late-night gatherings without eating because dinner was not served even after extended socializing. On more than one occasion, she returned home to prepare a meal for herself before heading to bed.

This cultural practice often left her questioning how hosts manage to serve meals so late without compromising the quality of the food. She also struggled with balancing the need to socialize with the effort of waiting for dinner to be served.

While Fischer expressed admiration for many aspects of Indian culture, she admitted this particular tradition remains difficult for her to embrace fully. She described how her experiences at Indian dinner parties often clashed with her routine and expectations.

What did netizens have to say?

Netizens shared a variety of perspectives on Kristen Fischer's observations about Indian dinner customs. Some highlighted that the Indian approach to socializing before meals is not unique, with similar practices followed in other countries like South Africa, where gatherings often start with conversations and drinks before dinner is served.

Others offered suggestions, emphasizing that appetizers could help bridge the gap between arrival and the main meal, allowing guests to enjoy light snacks while engaging in casual conversations.

Many agreed with Fischer’s experiences, acknowledging that while Indian dinners traditionally include extended socializing, serving food after 11 pm might be excessive. Some noted that even within India, dinner is often served earlier, around 8 pm, to accommodate guests' comfort. A commenter explained that in India, meals are typically served last as the focus is on spending time with guests rather than just the meal. They noted that in the U.S., however, invitations often center around dinner, with the meal served earlier in the gathering.

Fischer's reflections also drew praise for accurately capturing the cultural nuances of Indian dinner parties, with several individuals appreciating her efforts to adapt to a different way of life.

About Kristen Fischer

Kristen Fischer’s video has now gained 1.5 lakh views on Instagram. She is a content creator who relocated to India with her family and believes that the country offers a more enriching lifestyle and greater opportunities for her children. She has addressed questions about her decision to leave the United States, emphasizing that India provides her children with a strong foundation for a successful future. Fischer values the unique experiences and deep sense of community in India, which she feels surpasses what her family would have encountered in the US.

Fischer commands 116K followers on Instagram.