...however it is not that easy! This country has elements of multi-culturalism but is still extremely secular.

Also, indian and Filipino expats often cook and eat together unlike many from the UK. (I know some do)

Many don't speak English that well and may want to converse in their own mother tongue.

The cooking of certain foods can also produces different smells which appeal to some but are repulsed by others.

So you see, they are not trying to be discriminatory, they just prefer to be at ease and better safe than sorry.