Recommendations to Boycotted Companies

The beginning of recommendations to MCD, Pizzahut and Starbucks.

Hello,

I am sure a lot of you know about the genocide that is happening in Gaza. There are many who like to discuss the matter in detail to find out the real “reason” for the violence happening there because they want to be on the “accurate” side of “history” and want to dive into the “politics” of it all, I am against the violence that is happening on the civilians, children and the cleansing that is being perpetrated in the name of history. Don’t get me wrong, politics is important but should it overshadow the crimes that are happening?

Gaza, Congo, Haiti, Sudan, Rohingya, Lebanon, and Yemen are all in the midst of a political crisis that is hurting innocent civilians. The reason for many protests and demonstrations that are happening around the world is because of the companies and businesses funding this violence. People are trying to raise awareness about consumer brands that fund millions of dollars for weapons and arms. Some of these weapons are also illegal and yet are used in large amounts like white phosphorus.

The purpose of this email is not to just list down brands that are being boycotted because doing so often leads to just the weird argument of how the brand in India is not contributing as much as those in the US. I honestly don’t know what to say to that, because lets not go into the math of the revenue being shipped to wars.

This list is for local alternatives that you can check out whenever you feel like eating at the boycotted places. (For now this is limited to bombay and whichever place the options might have franchises but feel free to comment alternatives/recommendations in your city!)

Instead of McDonalds-

1. Good Flippin’ Burgers- they have multiple locations and a variety of options. As far as I know, they aren’t paying for arms and weaponry.

2. Jimi’s Burger- The famous bandra place has a few outlets around the city. They are famous for a reason and don’t contribute to bombs across civilian lands.

3. The Serial Griller- Another great joint that boasts multiple options and does not promote the deaths of several unarmed children.

4. Trays- It is slowly growing into a favourite of college students and understandably so. It is cheap and great and does not fund the destruction of hospitals.

5. Vada pav- not the same but equally beautiful. Vada pav vendors are without a doubt not funding genocide. and if not vada pav, Nino’s, Louis, Kha are also interesting options.

Instead of Starbucks-

1. Blue Tokai- Cheaper than Starbucks and way better in taste, Blue Tokai has so many outlets that it is pretty accessible. It is also not pumping money to a war.

2. Subko- Now open across India, the coffee here is definitely a step up from Starbucks but almost the same price-wise. They are not sending money for murder but they are spending for expansion.

3. Literally any local joint- there are so many places that have started making cold brews, cold coffees, fancy hot coffees and ice coffee at every corner that is for half the price.

4. Third Wave Coffee- another great coffee place that is work friendly and has quite some range. They promote business meetings and none end in bombs.

5. Kala Ghodha Cafe- Have you gone all the way to churchgate to see the Starbucks reserve, well don’t, KGC is amazing but there are so many other cafes around the area that have beautiful coffee and don’t engage in war crimes.

Bombay is having a huge growth of cafes so maybe go cafe hopping.

Instead of Pizza Hut-

1. Francesco’s Pizza- They have huge pizzas that are so filling that you will forget about Pizza Hut’s bland dough and they don’t pay for kidnappings.

2. Ray’s Pizzeria- Located in hill road, Bandra, they have a beautiful space and the sauce has magic. Must try and they are not sending money to fund starvation.

3. La Pinoz- They are there everywhere and have such a huge selection of pizzas. A great alternative to Pizzahut.

4. Juno’s Pizza- Vegetarians will be very happy here because they do consider our taste and don’t pay for drone surveillance.

5. 1441 Pizzeria- Another option that is there everywhere and has good taste. Why not order from here than a place that pays for illegal attacks.

Everyone has the one pizza place they are always recommending each other, check those out.

The purpose of this list is not just related to the war. If you have the means to support businesses that don’t have mass exploitation or are local, why not invest your time and money there? IIn India, boycotting some companies can be trickier. For instance, Nestle products like Maggi are often used by local vendors to make their own dishes. However, there are much better alternatives available compared to international chains like Starbucks.

This is a way to promote the food and beverage industry and promote the opening of more local joints. I have found so many amazing and small food places that make some remarkable dishes. I have been raving about the food in Santa Maria because there sandwiches are something no fast food franchise can ever replicate. Local food joints have the liberty to be unique because they don’t need to be mechanical about their dishes. So go out, use your privilege to support others even if it not because of a boycott.