Inviting an Indian and Jewish couple over for dinner

[Anonymous]

It just occurred to me that I know that the Indian couple is vegetarian but I'm pretty sure that the Jewish couple isn't that into vegetables. The third couple has one person that is allergic to dairy and one person that is trying to be gluten free. I was planning on grilling. I was planning on lots of grilled vegetables and bread along with hamburgers. Would the hamburgers be insulting to the Indian couple and should I do shrimp instead for the Jewish couple? I'm pretty sure that the Jewish couple isn't kosher but not sure if shellfish is off limits. Shrimp would also solve the hamburger problem with the gluten free person.

[Anonymous]

You really need to find out, rather than guess, at people's dietary restrictions. I know plenty of people who don't keep kosher, but don't eat shellfish. And some Indians also have some restrictions on what vegetables they can eat (no potatoes or carrots, for instance).

Fish, turkey or chicken might be "safer" than beef or shellfish.

And be careful of the marinades and sauces you select, as some are not gluten-free.

good luck! This is a rather challenging group.

[Anonymous]

I'm Indian. No, the hamburgers will not be insulting. They live in America and know that meat is on the menu at most people's homes. However, it would be very kind of you to offer items that they can eat - such as lentils, hummus, veggie burgers etc. You could call and ask them about their preferences or tell them you are about to go grocery shopping and ask if they like a particular brand of veggie burger etc. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Invite a priest too while you're at it.

[Anonymous]

BTW, PP here...I have never heard of any Indians with restrictions on what veggies they can eat.

[Anonymous]

Pasta baby, pasa

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BTW, PP here...I have never heard of any Indians with restrictions on what veggies they can eat.

Strict Jains do. They do not eat root vegetables or vegetables that kill the entire plant.

[Anonymous]

Taco bar.

Grilled veggies
Chicken tenders, shrimp
salsa (a couple different types)
cheese
sour cream
refried beans
guacamole

Everything is gf, and people can assemble their own vegetarian, dairy-free, non-shellfish taco to their own requirements.

[Anonymous]

I'm married to an Indian from a very conservative vegetarian family. Most wont eat anything cooked or grilled on the same surface (or pan) on which meat was just cooked. It just depends on how conservative they are.

Oh, and yes, my family would be offended if beef was served. My MIL wouldn't eat a thing.

The only veggies I've seen people not eat are onions and garlic, but I do recall a small sect of Hindus who don't eat anything that grows in the ground, hence no carrots or potatoes. But they are rare here

[Anonymous]

Do a potluck so all will have something plus grill boiled chicken and hot dogs [chicken]. Bake canned vegetarian beans and get some rolls. Pleasing all in this group is impossible. I've seen Indian and Jewish people at events and it was not a big deal. They came they ate and had fun. Seems like a very difficult group.

[Anonymous]

I think you are over thinking this! The Indians live in America, know they are going to a non-Indian house and will not be offended by what you serve. If you confirm they are vegetarian, just offer an option. Believe me, people with dietary restrictions ate used to making do! I say this as an Indian born in America to immigrant parents, one of whom is a strict vegetarian.
And definitely confirm restrictions with both families before you assume what they are!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BTW, PP here...I have never heard of any Indians with restrictions on what veggies they can eat.

Strict Jains do. They do not eat root vegetables or vegetables that kill the entire plant.

Yup, my friend's grandmother wouldn't eat a potato or carrot b/c a bug might be killed when it was pulled from the ground.

[Anonymous]

My Indian coworker leaves the room whenever food is served in our office.

More for us!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think you are over thinking this! The Indians live in America, know they are going to a non-Indian house and will not be offended by what you serve. If you confirm they are vegetarian, just offer an option. Believe me, people with dietary restrictions ate used to making do! I say this as an Indian born in America to immigrant parents, one of whom is a strict vegetarian.
And definitely confirm restrictions with both families before you assume what they are!

+1. I highly doubt this Indian couple is one of the rare people who won't eat root vegetables or won't eat for fear that the grill/plates etc. were used for meat previously. They are living in America and have accepted an invite at someone else's home and presumably eat at restaurant also, where you can be certain that hamburger and veggie burger are grilling next to each other and being turned with the same utensils. It would be nice if you could do 2 rounds of grilling or have some stuff done when they get there so they aren't watching you touching the meat and veggies simultaneously, just in case that grosses them out - but other than that, don't over think it. I also say this as an Indian whose parents eat vegetarian for halal purposes.

[Anonymous]

I have had great success with Jews and Chinese. I don't usually mix Indians and Jews but I guess it can be done. The trick is to make sure the caterers have any dietary restrictions in advance.

I guess when you really get down to brass tacks, people are just people, and everyone worships the same Jesus, though we may call him Mohammed or Jaine or whatever.