Haldi doodh is the new turmeric latte? Viral video shows how Indian traditions called "old" are becoming "gold" in Western countries

Moving to a new country often helps us see our own nation with a new POV on the basis of heritage stripping away and the familiarity of home, only to reveal the hidden value in everyday traditions.


For many who relocate, cultural practices that once seemed ordinary or even mundane in their native land suddenly take on a new, valued meaning when viewed through the lens of a foreign society.

This feeling of rediscovering one’s roots from afar is a common theme among the global diaspora, bringing to light the bittersweet irony of realising that the treasures we once overlooked at home are often the very things celebrated as "premium" or exotic by others.

Indian traditions worth ‘treaures’ abroad

The conversation was started by an Indian woman named Smidha, who is currently living in Australia, when she took to Instagram to share her feelings about how Indian traditions are perceived differently abroad.

In her post, she talked about the contrast between how these practices are treated within India and how they are marketed in Western countries, saying, “Living abroad made me realise something that honestly made me a little uncomfortable.”.

Haldi doodh or turmeric latte!

She provided a clear example by referencing the popular "turmeric latte," a drink that fetches a high prices in many Australian cafés. Recalling her childhood, she wrote, “Mom roz haldi doodh banati thi jo hum peene se bhagte the. Same ingredients, same warmth, we just called it gross.”

Indian wisdom is repackaged as a wellness trend

She further said, “Ghar mein ek handmade dupatta hai, kabhi kisi ne touch nahi kiya. That same thing is now sold in shops here for $200. We don’t lose our culture to the West; we just stop seeing the value in it first.”
Her poignant conclusion was felt and appreciated deeply with many Indians living overseas, “We call it old-fashioned; they call it gold. But I think it was the moment we decided ye sab purana ho gaya hai.”

Social media response

As one social media user rote in the comments, “This is so true. We realise the value of our culture only when someone else packages it beautifully.”

Another added, “Haldi doodh becoming turmeric latte is the most perfect example of this.”

Many others shared similar sentiments, with one commenter writing, “Our grandmothers knew everything before it became a wellness trend,” while another expressed, “This made me miss home and also made me feel proud of where I come from.”.