Who Needs Pizza? Anand Mahindra’s Love For Paratha Strikes A Chord Online
Who Needs Pizza? Anand Mahindra’s Love For Paratha Strikes A Chord Online
The industrialist’s post praising parathas resurfaces, sparking a wave of nostalgia and agreement among netizens
Anand Mahindra’s fondness for simple Indian food has once again caught the internet’s attention, with his old social media post celebrating parathas resurfacing and going viral. The Mahindra Group Chairman, known for his candid and relatable posts, had earlier shared a video showcasing the preparation of a giant stuffed paratha and his caption instantly struck a chord: “Who needs Pizza when you can have Paratha…?”
The video featured a street-style cooking process where a generous amount of stuffing is placed inside flattened dough, folded carefully, and rolled out into a large paratha. The cook then places it on a massive tawa, cooks it evenly on both sides, and later cuts it into slices much like a pizza. The paratha is served hot with chutney, curd, and pickle, adding to its traditional appeal.
Mahindra’s statement, though simple, triggered a strong emotional response online, especially among those who associate parathas with comfort, home-cooked meals, and cultural identity. The comparison with pizza often seen as a global fast-food staple made the post even more relatable for many Indians.
The post quickly gained traction, drawing reactions from thousands of users, including Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, who simply responded with, “Truth!” His brief but firm agreement added to the growing sentiment online.
Who needs Pizza when you can have Paratha…? pic.twitter.com/nd7aPVIAK7
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 17, 2023
Several users echoed similar thoughts, passionately defending the place of parathas in Indian cuisine. One user wrote, “100% Think of the delicious varieties of parathas… Alu ka, paneer ka, gobi ka, daal ka, patta gobi ka, stuffed veggies… all golden, crispy fried with masala-tadka stuff. Personally I find pizza rather bland.”
Another added, “Paratha>>>>>Pizza,” while one comment read, “Pizza never replaces paratha.”
Beyond just taste, many highlighted the sheer variety and versatility of parathas from classic aloo and paneer to regional and experimental fillings something they felt pizza could not compete with. The emotional connect, coupled with the nostalgia of Indian breakfasts and roadside dhabas, made the discussion more than just a food debate.
Interestingly, the resurfaced post also reflects a broader trend where traditional Indian foods are being re-celebrated in the face of global fast-food culture. Mahindra, who often promotes Indian innovation and culture, seems to have tapped into that sentiment effortlessly.
In a country where food is deeply tied to identity, memories, and regional pride, the paratha versus pizza debate may never truly end. But if the internet’s reaction is anything to go by, for many, the humble, crispy, ghee-laden paratha still holds an unbeatable place at the table.
