While beef is defined as the flesh of a cow, bull, or ox in most dictionaries, in the Capital the term is a generic one used for legally sold buffalo meat as well.
Those running these outlets which serve buffalo meat dishes here say that while the row over the police action at Kerala House has not cast a shadow on their business or availability of these dishes so far, they felt a little apprehensive hearing news of someone creating a ruckus over the name.
Some who have the word “beef” written in the menu said that although they don’t feel to take the dish or the word off the menu as of now, if the controversy over incidents such as the one at Kerala House, happen again they might consider replacing the word with something else or print a separate declaration in the menus.
Some small eateries in student neighbourhoods of South Delhi where buffalo meat is available, said they failed to understand why would one object to the sale of the meat of a legally slaughtered and cooked animal.
In Delhi, The Toddy Shop in Hauz Khas Village and the more recently launched Mahabelly in Saket are two restaurants which specialises in Kerala cuisine. Of this Toddy Shop is the one which serves buff named as beef that Kerala House did till the controversy erupted.
Subhadra Kutty, the Head Shop of Toddy Shop said that thus far her restaurant has not faced anyone coming inquiring so far and thus the issue was immaterial. She added that they would display the message “We do not serve cows.”
