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‘Insult to Japanese culture’: Viral video of Mumbai street vendor selling pink sushi sparks outrage

The vendor served the sushi plate with all the traditional elements: pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce, and even chopsticks.

A street food stall in Ghatkopar is now serving fresh sushi straight off a thela (cart) (Image source: @thegreatindianfoodie/Instagram)

Once regarded as a niche delicacy served at luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants, sushi has gradually become a part of mainstream food culture in India. This popular Japanese dish has been warmly embraced by Indian food enthusiasts, many of whom are now experimenting with their own versions by adding unique desi twists to suit local tastes. This culinary art form has made its way to the bustling streets of Mumbai.

A street food stall in Ghatkopar is now serving fresh sushi straight off a thela (cart). However, it did not sit well with the Internet. In a viral video shared by the Instagram food page @thegreatindianfoodie, a street vendor is seen crafting sushi with impressive skill and care.

The process begins with a sheet of nori (seaweed) placed on a traditional bamboo mat (makisu). A layer of pink-tinted rice is spread across the nori, then flipped over. The vendor then continues to add a generous drizzle of two different sauces, followed by fresh slices of cucumber and avocado. With a smooth roll of the makisu, the vendor shapes the sushi into the classic cylinder before slicing it into four even pieces.

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The sushi was served with all the traditional elements: pickled ginger, wasabi, soy sauce, and even chopsticks.

Watch the viral video here:

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A post shared by thegreatindianfoodie (@thegreatindianfoodie)

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While many appreciated the creativity, some social media users questioned the authenticity of the dish’s reinterpretation. “Just wait for few days: Sushi stuffed with potato coated Besan, fried in oil, garnished with mayonnaise,” a user wrote. “This should not be allowed. There should be food regulations on such things. This spoils the country’s name and culture. Sushi making is an art that is perfected over the years by chefs and culinary experts. It cannot be reduced to Indian street food. This is not correct,” another user commented.

“It is an insult to the Japanese culture,” a third user reacted.