America’s soon-to-be vice president, JD Vance, speaks highly of Indian vegetarian cuisine and credits his wife, Usha, and her legacy with his journey towards a plant-based diet.

Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Vance dismissed “disgusting fake meat” and praised the vibrant flavors of traditional Indian dishes. “If you’re going vegetarian, stick to paneer, rice and chickpeas – real, delicious food,” he advised.

Vance, a self-described “meat and potatoes guy from Ohio,” recalled his disastrous first attempt at cooking vegetarian food when he and Usha were dating. He humorously described his “vegetarian pizza” experiment: Raw broccoli was placed on a crescent-shaped crust, made with ranch dressing and baked for 45 minutes.

“It was disgusting,” he admitted, adding that it took time and Usha’s influence to truly appreciate Indian vegetarian cuisine. “They make really good vegetarian food,” he said, saying his wife’s cooking has changed his perspective on plant-based meals.

As Rogan raved about the rich vegetarian offerings of Indian food, Vance shared his family’s journey to authentic Indian food under the guidance of Usha’s mother. He emphasized that unlike processed plant-based alternatives, Indian cuisine offers nutritious, satisfying options that make being a vegetarian an authentic experience.

“My wife is Indian American, and the vegetarian dishes she makes are phenomenal,” Vance said. For those considering a plant-based diet, Indian cuisine is a valuable avenue full of “the most incredible vegetarian options,” he added.

The couple’s story began at Yale, where they met, later married in 2014, and now have three children. He acknowledges that Vance’s conversion to vegetarianism was part of their shared life; This shift is inspired by his wife’s legacy and rooted in real, wholesome ingredients.