Rashtrapati Bhavan is renowned for promoting traditional culinary heritage on the global stage. Recently, President Droupadi Murmu and her team showcased the rich culinary grandeur of Tamil Nadu at a state banquet hosted in honor of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. The gala dinner was attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, among other dignitaries.
A Healthy and Cultural Culinary Experience
According to official data, the menu was curated by chef and holistic wellness expert KS Mahesh Ishwar, who created a 6-course menu dedicated to Tamil Nadu. The dinner was designed with a focus on health, and Mahesh, who specializes in functional nutrition and wellness gastronomy, planned the meal so that the entire dining experience did not exceed 750 calories.
Personal Touch and Traditional Roots
As reported by The Hindu, the menu was Mahesh's tribute to his South Indian roots and the flavors from his late mother Kunnathur Annapoorni's kitchen. He worked with a team of 14 cooks, including four home cooks from places such as Thanjavur and Coimbatore, ensuring authentic regional tastes.
The 6-Course Menu Highlights
The menu featured dishes from several districts of Tamil Nadu. Highlights included Brinji Pulao, Sodhi, and Kadala Curry. For soup, there was Kunnathur Vellai Poosani Mor Kuzhambu. An air-fried version of Thattu Vadai was also served. In an interview with The Hindu, Mahesh mentioned creating a juice with naatu thakkali (country tomatoes) infused with water from vadu manga (baby mangoes), resulting in a sharp yet balanced drink. The meal also included Panagam with blue-pea flowers and mocktails made with vetiver. For a starter, he prepared Avocado Gothsu, a traditional tangy South Indian dish from Tamil Nadu typically made with brinjal or tomato, served on adai-like tacos.
This state banquet not only honored the Cyprus President but also highlighted the diversity and health-consciousness of Indian cuisine, particularly the rich culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu.
