Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance recently appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast, where he shared his views on the value of traditional vegetarian dishes compared to lab-made meat, which he described as “disgusting.” Vance, who is married to Usha Vance, an Indian-American, credited her for introducing him to the vibrant flavors of Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Rogan and Vance Criticize Processed Meat Substitutes
During the discussion, Rogan echoed Vance’s aversion to lab-made meats, describing them as “highly processed garbage.” Known for his skepticism toward processed foods, Rogan voiced concerns about the potential health impacts of lab-grown meats, noting they “creep him out.”
Vance highlighted Indian cuisine as a model for satisfying vegetarian meals, citing dishes made with paneer, rice, and chickpeas as delicious, authentic alternatives to lab-created meat. “My wife makes exceptional vegetarian food, and I’d recommend paneer and chickpeas to any vegetarian over processed alternatives,” he said.
Reflecting on his culinary journey, Vance, who described himself as a “meat and potatoes guy from Ohio,” recounted an early cooking mishap involving crescent rolls topped with raw broccoli and ranch dressing, a combination he humorously called “disgusting.”
Indian Cuisine as a Vegetarian Solution
Encouraging listeners to explore meat-free options, Vance praised Indian food’s wide range of vegetarian offerings, saying, “If you want to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle, turn to Indian cuisine. It offers wonderful vegetarian options.”