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Padma Lakshmi Reasserts Apple Pie Isn’t American, Drawing Fresh Online Criticism

She used a New York Times interview to argue that immigrant influences define U.S. cuisine and culture.

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 06: Padma Lakshmi is seen on November 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Padma Lakshmi's assertion that apple pie is not genuinely American has ignited controversy online. She emphasizes the dish's European roots and the importance of immigrant contributions to American culture, leading to mixed reactions from social media users.

Overview

  • Lakshmi told the New York Times that “apple pie isn’t American: not the crust, not the filling, not the spices,” reiterating a claim she first made publicly in 2020.
  • The remarks came as she promoted a new CBS cooking show scheduled to debut ahead of Thanksgiving.
  • She argued that none of apple pie’s ingredients are indigenous to North America and said many dishes labeled American trace to global traditions.
  • Emphasizing immigrants’ contributions, she said the country’s food system, tech sector, Wall Street, and medicine would halt without them.
  • Her comments prompted criticism on social media and were amplified by ideologically driven coverage, including Breitbart and KVOR, with no additional response from CBS reported.