Sign in

JD Vance blasts ‘disgusting fake meat’ as he hails Indian vegetarian cuisine, reveals meal he prepared for wife Usha

JD Vance lauded Indian vegetarian meals in his latest interview and opened up about his journey into a plant-based diet.

Updated on: Nov 11, 2024, 22:15:31 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

US Vice-President-elect JD Vance lauded Indian vegetarian meals and opened up about his journey into a plant-based diet that has been influenced by his Indian-American wife, Usha Vance.

JD Vance acknowledged that he was among those who believed that a meal is incomplete without meat. (AP)
JD Vance acknowledged that he was among those who believed that a meal is incomplete without meat. (AP)

During his recent appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, he discussed the negative effects of artificial meat and revealed his love for Indian vegetarian food.

Vance reveals what he prepared for Usha on their first date

Vance further recalled the first vegetarian meal he prepared for Usha while they were dating. “I wanted to make dinner. I wanted to really impress her,” he mentioned, while acknowledging that he had no idea at that time what vegetarians ate. He explained how he tried to make a “vegetarian pizza” for Usha by rolling out a sheet of crescent dough, covering it with raw broccoli, sprinkling it with ranch dressing, and baking it for forty-five minutes. He, however, dubbed his first attempt “disgusting.”

Complimenting the Indian cuisine, he stated on the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ that “They make very good vegetarian food.”

He mentioned how Usha's history has influenced his culinary path, particularly because he has moved away from packaged foods and leaned toward the flavourful and vibrant world of vegetarian cooking.

Vance acknowledged that he was among those who believed that a meal is incomplete without meat. “But if you're going vegetarian, eat paneer, rice, delicious chickpeas - do not eat this disgusting fake meat,” he asserted.

The Vice President-elect's response came after to Joe Rogan's criticised plant-based meat as “highly processed garbage.” But he quickly added that “If you want to eat vegetables and be vegetarian, eat Indian food.”

Also Read: JD Vance says ‘I feel good about this race’ after voting for Trump in Cincinnati

JD Vance says Usha makes ‘exceptional’ Indian food

As Vance agreed with Rogan, he revealed how Usha prepares incredibly tasty Indian food.

“My wife is Indian-American, and the vegetarian food she makes is exceptional,” he replied with a noticeable gleam in his eyes.

In the end, he recommended those who want to “embrace a vegetarian lifestyle” to try Indian cuisine as it has “incredible vegetarian options”.

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More