Dietician slams Nikhil Kamath, warns against adopting Singapore’s eating out culture in India
A recent comment by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath about Singapore’s eating habits has sparked an intense online debate, with renowned dietician Rujuta Diwekar offering a strong rebuttal.
Kamath had suggested that India should adopt Singapore’s culture of dining out instead of cooking at home, predicting that such a shift would open vast opportunities for restaurateurs in India.
Kamath’s statement came after a recent visit to Singapore, where he observed that many people didn’t cook at home and that some even lacked kitchens altogether. He expressed his belief that if India were to follow this trend, the restaurant industry could flourish in ways similar to the large-scale Southeast Asian food chains.
“What’s different in our consumption behavior?” Kamath asked on social media, suggesting that changes in the Indian economy, such as a higher GDP per capita and rising labour costs, might lead to a growing trend of dining out. He encouraged restaurateurs to consider what could drive India’s food industry forward and made a case for investing in the restaurant business. His comments were accompanied by several infographics, emphasizing the potential for growth in the restaurant sector.
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 contrast to Kamath’s argument, Diwekar, a well-known nutrition expert and dietician, quickly responded, taking to social media to express her views. Diwekar, who has worked with Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor on her diet plans, was quick to criticize Kamath’s view that dining out should become a norm in India.
“Do not listen to rich boys, eating at home is a healthy practice,” Diwekar posted, emphasizing the health benefits of home-cooked food. She argued that preparing meals at home not only supports a healthier lifestyle but also strengthens community bonds and fosters love and security. She encouraged people, regardless of age, gender, or income, to embrace cooking and make it a part of their daily routine.
“Learn to cook. Practice it often,” she added, reinforcing her message about the importance of home-cooked food.
Kamath’s remarks ignited a lively debate online, with many users comparing the dining habits of Singapore and India. Those in favour of Singapore’s model pointed out that the country’s hawker centers provide affordable, hygienic, and nutritious meals, especially for working professionals. With over 120 government-backed hawker centers and thousands of food stalls offering a variety of cuisines, they argued that eating out is convenient, accessible, and healthy for Singaporeans.
In Singapore, many individuals rely on hawker centers to meet their daily food needs, reducing the necessity for home cooking. The government has even supported this culture through incubation programs to ensure the sustainability of hawker food stalls. This has led to a more widespread acceptance of dining out as a regular part of life.
That is because Singapore has delightful Hawker Center culture, India does not. It is not because everyone in Singapore orders food or goes to posh restaurants.
India needs to treat out Hawkers with respect and provide cleaning services and clean water; India too can do it.
— GDP (@bookwormengr) February 18, 2025
However, many disagreed with Kamath’s perspective, warning against promoting frequent dining out in India. Critics, including nutritionists and health experts, pointed out that eating out regularly can contribute to lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and even cancer. They emphasized that home-cooked food remains the healthiest option, providing more control over ingredients and cooking methods.
@nikhilkamathcio – do better on your narrative.
A. Comparing Singapore and Bharat , in every aspect, and then taking Singapore as some sort of abstract baseline, makes no sense.
B. The narrative around « let’s have more restaurants because Singapore finds it beneficial and…
— Priyanka (@prinstaz) February 19, 2025
I hope we continue to lag behind Singapore and other developed nations in terms of eating out or ordering food from restaurants (via online options)
➡️It is well-known that home-cooked food is the MOST healthy option.
➡️It is also known that eating “outside” food is one of the…— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) February 18, 2025
Why should we even endeavour to encourage hawker or restaurant cooked food over home cooked meals on a regular basis ? India has a great “cook at home” culture and I pray that it stays that way.
Every nutritionist and doctor knows that fresh, hygienic, home cooked meals are…
— Dr Sumeet Shah (@DrSumeetShah) February 18, 2025
Some Indian users also pointed out that the situation in India is quite different from Singapore’s. Concerns about street food hygiene and the higher cost of dining at restaurants make eating out less practical for many people in India. For most households, home-cooked meals are not just more affordable, but also a cultural tradition that ties families and communities together.
A resident of Singapore weighed in, explaining how the country’s food culture differs from India’s. Singapore’s efficient system of affordable and government-supported food stalls caters to diverse tastes and allows for convenient, quick, and healthy meals. With the government’s role in supporting hawker centers, the model works seamlessly in Singapore’s urban environment.
I live in Singapore – been here for 15 years. You are right, but if I may add, Singapore’s eating out culture is primarily an outcome of the 121 hawker centres promoted by the government. The 6000 stalls under these centres have to adhere to strict quality standards and provide…
— Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) February 18, 2025
In India, however, there are significant differences in both food culture and economic factors. The rising cost of eating out, combined with concerns about food safety and hygiene, means that dining out is not as widespread or practical for the majority of people. Many Indian families prefer the affordability and familiarity of home-cooked meals.
About Author
