Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, recently highlighted the stark difference in eating habits between Singaporeans and Indians during his visit to Singapore. He observed that many Singaporeans rarely cook at home, suggesting that if India adopted similar habits, the restaurant industry could thrive. His post sparked debates about cultural attitudes towards food. In response, nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar emphasized the value of home-cooked meals in a viral Instagram post, advocating for cooking to foster health and community bonds. Her comments garnered positive feedback from users who praised the benefits of homemade food and criticized Kamath’s perspective.
Nikhil Kamath, the co-founder of Zerodha, recently traveled to Singapore and shared a notable contrast he noticed in eating practices compared to India. He observed that many Singaporeans he encountered rarely cook at home, with some even not having kitchens at all. Conversely, he believes that Indians strongly emphasize the importance of home-cooked meals. Kamath suggests that if India were to embrace Singapore’s dining habits, it could lead to substantial growth in the restaurant industry. His post gained significant traction, sparking numerous discussions online. In reaction to his insights, social media users engaged in a conversation about cultural perceptions of food as well as the advantages and disadvantages of dining out more frequently.
I was in Singapore this week; most I met said they never cook at home, and others don’t have a kitchen.
If India were to follow this trend, investing/opening restaurants would be a massive opportunity, but we don’t have restaurant brands that have close to the scale Southeast… pic.twitter.com/xctpFUyV57— Nikhil Kamath (@nikhilkamathcio) February 18, 2025
In light of this discussion, a recent post by celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has caught a lot of attention online. She took to Instagram to share a brief note that many users perceived as a critique of Nikhil Kamath’s views. Although she did not mention him directly or allude specifically to the trending debate, her message emphasized the significance of home-cooked meals. Accompanying a photo of a basket filled with fresh vegetables, she wrote, “Do not listen to rich boys; eating at home is a healthy practice. One that can prevent many diseases, foster community connections, and strengthen the bonds of love and security. Learn to cook. Practice it often. Irrespective of gender, age, or income.”
Here’s how Instagram users responded in the comments:
“Nothing can beat ghar ka khana [homemade food].”
“Agreed…..fresh, seasonal, and homemade.”
“Much needed reminder in today’s time when there are endless temptations.”
“So true. Home-cooked meals nourish both body and mind.”
“Absolutely. Eating a home-cooked meal is a blessing. My whole family cooks irrespective of gender.”
“Thank you! Nikhil Kamath’s post was disappointing.”
“Agree with you. His post was disheartening…”
One of the most effective strategies to increase your consumption of homemade dishes and reduce reliance on outside food is through meal prep. Here are some essential tips to help you get started.
Also Read: Viral: Man Drops 31 Kg In 1.5 Years While Enjoying ‘Outside’ Food, Here’s What Nutritionist Says