Indian guy here. I love all kinds of food, and I found the quote obnoxious as well.

It all started with the headline of Roberto Ferdman's WaPo article on the original linked study which appeared a few months ago.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9138580

A dozen other blogspam variants on that article appeared in short order and here we find it echoing again.

Although the direct source is American I can't help but think that the underlying meme has something to do with the objective horribleness of British food and the ubiquity of Indian restaurants in the UK.

I'll agree with much of this - but after 8 years living in London and now in Manchester, the 'objective horribleness' of British food is now about 15-20 years out of date. Back in the day, sure - man, how my parents could tell stories when stationed over in the UK.

But now? I've had superb meals in both city and country - and there's been a big rediscovery of the roots of British cuisine. Just with better ingredients, imagination, and avoiding shudder the classic blunder of oversteaming the veggies. :)

Case in point - hit up the Bull in Highgate in London. Amazing pub, that serves top-notch food for about $15 a plate.

English food is improving but there are still some shockers to be found. Having a molten lump of cheddar cheese in a curry when you are expecting paneer (as stated on the menu) makes you wonder if the chef tries their own food.

I think your view of horrible British food is a bit out of date. British restaurants are among the top in the world and to be honest, even Pub Food beats most casual eateries in may other places in the world by now.