Understanding Indian Food Habits in UAE with the Best Dietitian of Mumbai
Having worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds – in India as well as worldwide, I, Arati Shah from Café Nutrition, have realized that culture plays an important role in individuals’ food choices. UAE, a melting pot of cultures has a substantial Indian population. The cultural food habits UAE are a blend ofdifferent cuisines. This often impacts food choices of Indians in this region which can impact nutrition and health outcomes. So, for Indians in UAE seeking wellness, one of the key aspects to better outcomes is choosing an Indian nutritionist with a greater understanding of Indian food psychology. It also requires a nutritionist cultural sensitivity to truly understand along with personal food preferences, traditional food patterns.
So, when it comes to food, it is often not what is available but about what we have culturally learnt to eat and what brings us comfort.
Culture and Food Connection: Beyond Taste
Culture does not only affect what people eat, it is how food is prepared, served, shared, and even how it is talked about. Food choices and practices are often shaped by the family traditions, religious practices, regional staples, and social and regional customs. These practices are carried forward through generations. Here are a few ways how culture impacts food habits:
- Meal timings and frequency
- Choice of ingredients and flavors
- Portion sizes
- Religious rituals like festivals or fasting and
- Cooking methods
As a dietitian, I see these factors influence eating habits which may or may not be healthy. Ignoring cultural food habits can often make diet plans ineffective which is where nutritionist cultural sensitivity becomes important.
From Diwali to Onam Sadhya to Holi feasts, festivals mean familiar foods that include sweets, fried foods, and other delicacies. While these traditions hold sentimental value, they often result in overeating which is why these foods are almost always restricted in the diet plans. However, my role is not to restrict but to gently guide clients to enjoy these foods mindfully.
Embracing Food Traditions: Finding a Balance
For Indians anywhere in the world there is a strong link between food and home. “Ma ke haath ka khana” holds a special place in their hearts which is related to familiar flavours, spices, and cooking techniques.
Similarly, religious practices and festivals often involve specific foods that resonate with the community as an expression of devotion, remembrance and even festivity. For Indian residents in UAE observing these traditions is an important link to their spiritual and cultural heritage.
Besides, for Indians food is rarely just about nutrients. It is more about an emotional connect. Indian food psychology tells us that eating is emotional, social, and celebratory.
As an Indian dietitian I understand these aspects. So, instead of asking the clients to completely give up on their comfort foods my approach is to help them find a delicate balance between the traditions and their personal health goals.
This means adapting and not abandoning the traditional grandmother’s recipes. My guidance will enable them to ensure the diet plans are sustainable and seamlessly integrated into the lifestyle. It does not feel like a burden. Moreover, I help empower the client with the knowledge to make informed choices while eating mindfully or balancing festive indulgences with light meals later.
Some examples of how I work with individuals with a diverse cultural eating pattern:
- Ramadan fasting is observed by many UAE residents. The body undergoes metabolic shifts during this time. I help clients plan balanced sehari and iftar meals to avoid energy crashes, dehydration, or digestive issues.
- Similarly, many Indian communities follow vegetarian diets for religious beliefs. Understanding these practices is part of nutritionist cultural sensitivity, where I work within these restrictions to ensure protein and micronutrient adequacy.
When working with UAE clients, the real skill lies not just in knowing nutrients but in understanding how food fits into people’s lives. As a Mumbai-based dietitian supporting UAE clients, I practice nutritionist cultural sensitivity through:
- Deeper understanding of the cultural background of the client
- Asking questions on their dietary preferences and daily routine
- Refraining from asking them to abandon their cultural foods. Instead offer healthy alternatives or educate them about portion control.
- Providing practical and easily doable solutions for their life in UAE. This takes into consideration the grocery availability and social norms.
- Educating the client without judgement. This empowers the client to make informed decisions about food.
Many clients face the challenge of adapting to a new food routine without losing cultural identity. I help them to merge traditional foods with new and available ingredients. This cultural blend can support better nutrition if guided well.
Also, with increased exposure to global foods and delivery apps, traditional eating patterns are changing now. Amongst UAE youth consumption of sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fast food are common which increases risk of obesity and other clinical conditions. My counselling involves helping them practice a healthier lifestyle while including their cultural and traditional foods.
Finally, cross border diet consultations are about understanding the heart and soul behind food choices. It also involves grasping the layers of Indian food psychology – from emotional connections to regional variations to social significance. It also involves guiding the clients towards a healthier and happier lifestyle now and thereafter. Successfully supporting individuals from various cultural backgrounds rests on the expertise of a nutritionist cultural sensitivity to be able to understand their unique food habits and traditional practices. This is crucial in advising on the cultural food habits UAE.