Reverse culture shock

Ronald in India

While we're on the receiving end of culture shock most of the time, we shocked our driver once. We stopped at a McDonald's to use the restroom and I noticed that the entire menu was either vegetarian or chicken. We mentioned told the driver that we were surprised to see a McDonald's that didn't sell hamburger. in a shocked voice he asked "You mean in the US McDonald's sells beef?!?"

 A few days later in a shopping area, we came across a Subway shop with another interesting menu.  According to Subway's website, there are 185 Subway shops in India.  At 75 Rupees for a 6-inch sub (between US$1.50 and $2.00), this is a bargain compared with home prices, yet quite expensive for many Indians.

India's Subways have many more options for the vegetarian than we see at home. A Veg. Shammi is a "kebab specialty authentically made from lentils, enriched with the distinctive flavours of garlic and onion. " A Paneer Tikka is "cottage cheese slices marinated with barbeque seasoning and roasted to a light crispness." The Aloo Patty is a "100% potato patty seasoned with special herbs and spices."  The website also describes a Corn & Peas Sub (ingredients self-explanatory although incomprehensible to Westerners as a sandwich filling) , not featured at this Subway.