Los Angeles, California, USA: The Indian American community is giving Thanksgiving a fresh interpretation—one that blends their cultural roots with long-standing American traditions. Indian American chefs and home cooks shared how they combine flavors, memories, and customs from both worlds to create a unique version of the holiday.
For many Indian families living in the United States, Thanksgiving has become more than a break filled with parades and football. It represents an annual moment of cultural participation and reinvention. Although the historic origins of the holiday may feel remote, the celebration has been embraced and adapted in a way that reflects the dual identity of the community.
At the center of this adaptation is the Thanksgiving table, which transforms into a space where cultures intertwine. The themes of harvest and gratitude are already deeply rooted in South Asian traditions, making the holiday feel familiar. However, the food is where the Indian American touch becomes unmistakable. The classic turkey—often criticized for its dryness—is reinvented with tandoori marinades, garam masala, and vibrant spices.
Nikhil Khanna, a home cook and manager based in New York City, shared how his family approaches the meal:
“We always buy a turkey, but we season it with Indian masalas instead of the typical American method. We’ve been doing it this way for years, and we prefer it because the traditional version tastes too bland. Some of my American friends tried our masala turkey and liked it so much that they now cook theirs the same way.”
Side dishes also undergo a colorful transformation. Prarthana, an entertainment lawyer and passionate home cook from Los Angeles, explained her twist on a well-known American dish:
“I make green beans poriyal—a stir fry with mustard seeds, cumin, red chillies, and coconut. Americans have a green bean casserole, and this is my version of it.”
Culinary creativity continues throughout the meal. Cranberry sauce becomes a tangy, spicy achaar, while sugary yams are swapped for khatta meetha kaddu (sweet and sour butternut squash). For many, these substitutions are not meant to reject American customs, but to celebrate their heritage alongside their adopted culture.
The spirit of Thanksgiving also resonates strongly with Indian values. Large gatherings, generous meals, and giving thanks are central elements of Indian festivals as well. Since Thanksgiving often follows shortly after Diwali, the holiday naturally extends the season of togetherness.
Dhruv Kashyap, a home chef from Los Angeles, captured this sentiment perfectly:
“Thanksgiving is about making space for everyone at the table—just like Diwali. You never turn anyone away.”
For many Indian American families, the holiday becomes a chance to practice seva (selfless service), whether by volunteering, hosting friends, or inviting newcomers to join their celebration.
Ultimately, Thanksgiving reminds the Indian American diaspora that identity is both flexible and layered. Their way of celebrating proves that building a life in a new country doesn’t require leaving old traditions behind—instead, it allows them to enrich what already exists. A warm, flavorful, and community-filled Indian American Thanksgiving feels like a perfect expression of this balance.
