California’s Lost (and Found) Punjabi-Mexican Cuisine
Rasul’s El Ranchero created a roti quesadilla for a very specific community — a half-century before Indian fusion food became trendy
Hasnain says:
Come for the food, stay for the great human interest stories, inspirational community building stories, and lessons into America’s super racist past.
“Today, chefs are thinking about marketing; they’re trying to get customers in the door, and they’re being deliberate about the flavors and culinary traditions they’re combining. But for Rasul’s El Ranchero, catering to Punjabi Mexicans born in the first half of the century, the roti quesadilla was more than just something new and different — it represented the organic community of Punjabis and Mexicans brought together by a confluence of immigration policies, labor laws, and cultural similarities. “We love food. So whatever the inspiration, it’s all good,” English says, when asked about restaurants selling the food she ate at home without acknowledging the history. “But there is something to be said for family comfort food recipes.””
Posted on 2022-01-30T07:08:37+0000