Indian treats by Indian chef for Indian PM Modi in Dhaka

There was nothing ‘Bangladeshi’ about the food served to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dhaka. 

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 7 June 2015, 02:52 PM
Updated : 7 June 2015, 03:27 PM

An arid vegetarian, trying the heavenly ‘Hilsha’ would be the last thing on his mind. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina organised a dinner for Modi at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka Hotel on Saturday evening, after he arrived for his first state visit to Dhaka in the morning. 

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted a photo of ‘the very special, all vegetarian menu’ for Modi. 

But they were mostly Indian recipes, prepared by an Indian chef.          

A lunch was laid out for him at the Bangladesh president’s official residence at noon on Sunday.

The Sonargaon dinner had 19 dishes and the Bangabhaban lunch 22. The photos of the food were all over the internet thanks to Swarup’s tweets. 

An Indian chef of The Westin Dhaka cooked up the vegetarian feasts, said an official of Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, even though Modi was staying at Sonargaon hotel.

The dinner started with Khaman Dhokla as entree. Vegetable Shammi Kebab, Paneer Butter Masala, Potol Dolma, Bagara Baingan, Dal Tadka followed under main course, accompanied by Hyderabadi Vegetable Biriyani and Khichidi.

On Sunday afternoon, President Abdul Hamid hosted a lunch for Modi at the State Dining Hall of the Bangabhaban.

Hasina, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Chief Justice SK Sinha and Cabinet members, among others, joined them.

An official at the Bangabhaban said the food served was cooked by the Westin chef.

Modi first tasted Saffron Butter Milk, followed by Crispy Potato and Apple Chaat, Vegetable Shammi Kebab and Khandvi before Palak Dal Ka Shorba.

The main course included Lucknavi Paneer Do Piyaza, Jodhpuri Dhingri Aur Makai Ka Kofta, Amritsari Pindi Choley, Gujarati Undhyu, Aamti and Dal Makhni, accompanied by Saffron Pulav, Lauki Thepla, Bhatura, Naan, Green Salad, Papad and Mango Chutney.

Rasmalai, Mishti Doi, Chanar Sandesh and fruits were served as dessert.