Restaurants

The restaurant also features another commodification of a former elite culture. While Indian diners are experienced with the idea of dhabas and canteens, the modern restaurant is a clear holdover from European feudal days when lords would order their waitstaff around ( Translator’s note: this isn’t entirely true - the restaurant has its origins in ancient China where it served as a gathering place for literati to create and exchange ideas.

). European restaurants often serve as a way to hire waitstaff for a period of time. Waitstaff are often from disadvantaged or lower castes of society, and the often upper caste who patronize restaurants make a point to exercise their authority through demands from the waitstaff as well as by the use of a tip in some countries - a gratuity added on top of the bill to congratulate the waitstaff on a job well done. Truly, this is a part of the idolization of the feudal lord’s life - ultimately Europeans live a life close to the one of their feudal lords, with the serfs largely being the conquered and formerly enslaved peoples.

Meat was considered the manliest part of the meal.

Farmer's schedule determines mealtimes in western culture
 * Cloyingly saccharine chai tea at starbucks - simple palate
 * Tikka Masala is gravy over meat with spices