Leaders from the Group of 20 (G20) nations gathered at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday (September 9) for a dinner hosted by Indian President Draupadi Murmu at the end of the first day of talks at the G20 Summit. With India putting on its best face to entertain international leaders from all over the world, the supper to be given was not to be neglected.
What was on the menu for the G20 leaders in India?
“A medley of traditions, customs, and climate, Bharat is diverse in many ways. ‘Taste’ connects us. We celebrate Sharad Ritu, the autumn season of abundance in this menu,” a copy of the menu seen by BreezyScroll read.
It added, “It showcases the wealth of ingredients across Bharat, expressing our rich culinary heritage in a modern mosaic dedicated to the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’”
For starters, world leaders were served ‘Paatram,’ which translates as ‘a breath of fresh air,’ and is described as “Foxtail millet leaf crisps topped with a yoghurt sphere and spiced chutney.”
The main course, ‘Vanavarnam,’ or ‘Strength from the land,’ was “Jackfruit galette served with glazed forest mushrooms.” Little millet crisp and curry tossed Kerala red rice.”
This was followed with Indian Breads, ‘Mumbai Pao’ defined as an ‘onion seed flavoured soft bun’ and ‘Bakarkhani’ a ‘cardamom flavoured sweet flat bread’.
Kashmiri Kahwa, Filter Coffee, and Darjeeling Tea are among the beverages available.
What about dessert?
World leaders were served a “cardamom scented Barnyard millet pudding fig-peach compote and Ambemohar rice crisps” rather than a real “Pot of gold.”
‘Paan-flavored chocolate leaves’ were also mentioned on the menu.
‘Shree Anna’: The Inspiration for the Menu
The menu was preceded by the concept of the food that will be served and was titled ‘Shree Anna’.
“Shree Anna (Millets) are nutri-cereals that are considered superfoods containing a high density of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Millets can grow in adverse and arid conditions, with comparatively fewer inputs as compared to other cereals. They are cultivated across diverse agroecological regions and are resistant to pests and diseases,” stated a copy of the menu.
“They can play an important role in addressing issues such as climate change and food security. On India’s initiative, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYOM),” it added.
“To give a taste of Millets grown across India to our esteemed guests, we have included a few dishes in the menu today, which use different types of Millets, namely: Foxtail millet (in Paatram), Little millet (in Vanavarnam), Barnyard millet (in Madhurima).”