Zohran Mamdani's campaign for mayor of New York City has sparked a national conversation about South Asian culture and the challenges of assimilation in America. Despite his political positions being scrutinized, much of the controversy has centered on his cultural background, from the way he refers to relatives to how he eats traditional food. Critics have questioned his 'Americanness', with some media outlets and political figures using cultural differences to paint him as an outsider. The debate highlights ongoing tensions around identity, belonging, and what it means to be American, even as Mamdani's candidacy brings greater visibility to immigrant experiences in mainstream politics.