The popular snack soya chaap has become an integral part of our food culture, and its fan base is only growing by the day. This vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based kebabs has become a staple on menus across the country, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Its versatility has led to creative variations like rolls, wraps and even salads. But have you ever wondered how this tasty treat is made? A recent video shared online by a food vlogger takes us behind the scenes of soya chaap production. However, instead of satisfying our curiosity, it has left many of us questioning our love for this snack! The video reveals a rather unhygienic process, which has sparked a heated debate on the internet.
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The footage began with an old, industrial-sized mixer grinder mixing soybeans to a pulp. A worker then mixed the watery batter with his bare hands, submerging his arms up to the elbow. The water was drained, and the soya chunks were transferred to a bucket – again, handled with bare hands, without gloves. The worker then spread a mat on the floor, washed it with water, and stepped on it with sandals still on. The soya mixture was poured onto the mat, and the worker continued to mix it while walking on the mat, still wearing sandals. The chaap was then rolled and sent off to the markets.
The vlogger aptly renamed this unhygienic product "chappal chaap" instead of soya chaap. He said in his video that such unhygienic practices are harmful to our health and the health of our families. “Stay Aware, Stay Safe, Eat Healthy,” the caption of the video read. Watch the video here:
A user commented under the post, “India needs strict food guidelines with a penalty. Companies and local vendors are allowed in India to sell poison in any shape. Why life is so cheap in India.”
Another wrote, “Mera to dil hi toot Gaya [my heart is broken]…. I loved soya chap a lot.”
“I will never eat after today,” a comment read.
Meanwhile, someone else said that not everyone makes the dish unhygienically. “You sure all manufacture it the same way!? Sad to see your video. Let me tell you this is not the way all make it.”
What do you think of this video? Let us know in the comments below.
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