prasad, sangom,
there are exceptions though.
for example, there is a well beloved brand of pickles, which we prefer to buy from india. we get the same brand in toronto, but clearly stamped, for export only, whereas what is sold in the indian market is stamped for sale in india only.
the indian bottle has more flavour, kaaram, and in the case of the avakkai, more fenugreek (vendhayam) fragrance - closer to home made stuff.
i dont know why, as a rule, export made stuff, though much better labelled and packaged, has a blandness thrown in - as if the manufacturer believes that desis outside of india prefer blander and less kaaram food. it goes without saying, when one buys priya or 777 or aachi stuff, it is only us expatriates.
the whites do not patronize our food as a rule, and the exporters may have a mistaken concept of their target market abroad. but even in the mid east, where indian exports are meant for indians only, there is this blandness. dont know why!
so, the pickles from india, are considered precious and for home use only. for guests, we can get and serve the same brand, bought from the local indian grocery.
btw i was not kidding about chappathis frozen from malaysia. one of the popular brands sanaa, is made there, and has a whole variety of naans, chappathis and rotis..frozen and when heated on the tava, tastes good enough to melt in your mouth.
also, maybe some day, ready made indian food, from usa or uk, might land in indian shelves. who knows?
