Khichdi Steals the Show at Davos 2026: Indian Comfort Food Wins Global Hearts

Indian cuisine has once again demonstrated its global appeal, this time at the prestigious World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. Throughout the five-day summit, a simple yet iconic Indian comfort dish emerged as the unexpected star among international delicacies, capturing the hearts and palates of delegates from around the world.

Overwhelming Response to Indian Khichdi

According to a PTI report, the Akshaya Patra Foundation served khichdi at one of the food courts, and the response was nothing short of phenomenal. The organization reportedly served an impressive 1,000 daily servings of this warm, nourishing dish to attendees braving the cold Swiss weather. The counters also featured other Indian favorites like samosas and pakoras, but it was khichdi that truly stole the spotlight.

In a video shared on social media platform X by PTI, a Japanese visitor expressed heartfelt appreciation after tasting khichdi. "Eating this feels like home. It is so good to have this warm food in this cold," the delegate remarked, highlighting the dish's comforting qualities. Another Japanese delegate told PTI that the dish was both comforting and practical, stating, "It is extremely cold here. Eating khichdi feels very good and keeps me warm. There are many food options available, but I chose this because it suits the weather perfectly."

Indian Food Truck Becomes Summit Highlight

The presence of Indian food at Davos didn't go unnoticed by prominent figures either. Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma shared an image of the Indian food truck at the summit, calling it one of the highlights of the event. In his post, he wrote, "India food truck for desi veggies. EU pitching India deal as the mother of all deals. India is definitely happening at Davos," underscoring the broader significance of India's growing influence on the global stage.

What Makes Khichdi So Special?

Khichdi is a traditional one-pot Indian dish made with rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices, typically tempered with cumin, ghee, and hing (asafoetida). This humble preparation is celebrated for being light on the stomach, easy to digest, and packed with essential nutrients. In Ayurveda, where it is also spelled as Kitchari, khichdi is esteemed as a nourishing and balancing dish, often utilized for its therapeutic benefits.

The most popular version combines rice and moong dal, creating what is considered a tridoshic dish—meaning it can balance all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) according to Ayurvedic principles. This makes it suitable for all age groups and various health conditions.

Health Benefits of Khichdi

Digestive Health: Khichdi is remarkably gentle on the digestive system. The combination of rice and lentils provides prebiotics that support good gut bacteria. In Ayurvedic practices, it is frequently used in cleansing therapies like Panchakarma to help eliminate toxins from the body.

Nutritional Balance: The pairing of rice and moong dal creates a complete protein supply, including all essential amino acids. This makes khichdi a wholesome meal that nourishes the body and promotes overall health.

Weight Management: Being low in calories and fat, khichdi serves as a lighter meal option that can aid in weight loss. It helps keep you full for longer periods, reducing the urge for unhealthy snacking. The inclusion of spices like turmeric and cumin further enhances digestion.

Versatility: One of khichdi's greatest strengths is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit specific dietary needs. For increased fiber, add fibrous vegetables; for those managing diabetes, substituting rice with barley can be an effective choice.

The Role of Ghee in Khichdi

No serving of khichdi is complete without a dollop of ghee on top. In Ayurveda, ghee is regarded as a superfood that balances all three doshas and promotes longevity and vitality. It contains butyric acid, which nourishes the gut lining and reduces inflammation. Ghee also helps reduce acidity and internal heat while keeping the gut light. Additionally, it slows down glucose absorption, preventing sugar spikes, and its omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids support cognitive health.

Regional Variations of Khichdi

Across India, khichdi takes on various delightful forms. Some of the most popular versions include:

Moong Dal Khichdi
Urad Dal Khichdi
Pongal
Andhra's Keema Khichdi
Gujarati Khichdi
Karnataka's Bisi Bele Bhath
Bihari Khichdi
Bengali Khichuri
Rajasthani Bajra Khichdi

How to Make Classic Moong Dal Khichdi

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dhuli moong dal
3/5 cup rice
2 tbsp ghee
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp garlic
2 green chillies
1 tomato
1 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
1 tsp red chilli powder
2 tbsp coriander leaves
1/2 tsp hing (asafoetida)
2 dried red chillies
Additional ghee for tempering

Method:

Wash the rice and dal thoroughly and keep them aside.
Heat a pressure cooker and add ghee, cumin seeds, and dried red chillies. Allow them to splutter.
Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes.
Add the rice and dal along with the spices (turmeric powder, salt, red chilli powder) and mix well. Cook for 2-4 minutes.
Pour in 2 cups of water and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
Let the pressure release naturally.
Prepare a tempering by heating ghee with hing and red chilli powder.
Pour this tempering over the prepared khichdi, mix well, and serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.

The success of khichdi at the World Economic Forum 2026 not only highlights the growing appreciation for Indian cuisine worldwide but also underscores the timeless appeal of simple, nourishing food that brings comfort and warmth, even in the most elite international settings.