Page 16 - Introducing Cultural Studies
P. 16
ecoding the Indian Restaurant
We can see that "Raj Balti" is located in an ordinary London street. The
words "Take Away" tell us something of its status: a working-class
restaurant in a working-class area. "Raj" in the name suggests a
colonial link to India (it could also be the name of the owner!). The word
"Balti" too has significance. But what, exactly?
To explore what our text is telling us, let us put "Raj Balti" in context - in
relation to other Indian restaurants, their history and cultural
significance in Britain. The Indian restaurant made its presence felt in
Britain in the 1950s after the arrival of immigrants from the
Subcontinent.
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