New Delhi: As the G20 Summit approaches in New Delhi on September 9 and 10, preparations are in full swing to welcome world leaders with an array of delectable and diverse cuisines. The cuisine for this year's summit has garnered special attention, with over 120 chefs working tirelessly to craft a menu of nearly 500 items, including a delightful fusion of flavors.
In recognition of the International Year of Millets in 2023, a unique 'Millets Thali' has been created for all leaders and foreign delegates, including US President Joe Biden. The Taj Hotel, one of the premier venues for the summit, has embraced millets in its offerings, showcasing both Indian and foreign components in their dishes.
The Taj Hotel is taking center stage in these preparations, with over 120 chefs working diligently to create a menu of nearly 500 items, including fusion cuisines. Millets, recognized for their nutritional value, have been incorporated into various dishes. Chef Surendra Negi stated, "We are presenting both Indian and foreign components in food to the foreign delegation. As PM Modi told us to keep a focus on millets, we are including millets as an ingredient in many cuisines." This commitment extends to desserts as well, with millet-based sweets like ragi laddoos and barley kheer making an appearance.
To celebrate India's rich culture and local artisans, the Taj Hotel will greet global leaders with an 'Ikta' stole and 'Aarti.' A Maharaja Giant Dining table will be set up for all G20 guests, where they will be served Indian Thali, Continental dishes, and Sweet Dishes.
In addition to the Millets Thali, foreign guests will have the opportunity to savor delicacies from various Indian states, including Bihar's Litti-Chokha, Rajasthan's Dal Baati Churma, Punjabi Tadka, South India's Masala Dosa, Uttapam, and Idli, as well as Bengali Rasgulla, Jalebi, and many other distinctive dishes and sweets. Street food favorites like Gol Gappa, Dahi Bhalla, Samosas, and spicy chaat will also be on the menu.
The sumptuous buffet at the Taj Hotel includes a wide range of dishes like Gud aur Amarnath ke ladoo, Mango Truffle, Kaju Pista Roll, Ragi Badam Pinni, Ragi Paniyaram, Kakum Mathri, Nigella Cannoli, Bajre ki Kheer, Lamb Chops, Goat Cheese Ravioli, Bhapa Doi, Kaju Matar Makhana, Avocado Salad.
Furthermore, foreign guests will be treated to a diverse selection of delicacies representing different Indian states, including Bihar's Litti-Chokha, Rajasthan's Dal Baati Churma, South India's Masala Dosa, and Bengali sweets like Rasgulla and Jalebi. Desi street food favorites like Gol Gappa, Dahi Bhalla, Samosas, and spicy chaat will also be on the menu, offering an authentic taste of India.
Muktesh Pardeshi, Special Secretary and head of operations and logistics of India's G20 secretariat, highlighted the extensive preparations for the summit, which will host presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and top officials from various delegations. New Delhi aims to showcase Indian culture, crafts, cuisine, and technological achievements, such as the UPI payments system, the CoWin app, and Aadhar.
With a focus on both cuisine and service, catering at the Convention Centre is entrusted to the ITC, a leading hotel chain, to ensure an impeccable dining experience for all attendees.
The G20 Summit, themed around "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," will feature three sessions, and India will pass on the G20 Presidency to Brazil in the concluding session on December 10.
As Delhi gears up to host this prestigious event, the culinary journey it promises to offer to world leaders is set to be nothing short of extraordinary.
