Diplomacy and a zero dim sum game

While the repertoire of both India and host Nepal when it comes to non-vegetarian food is extensive, PM Narendra Modi’s herbivorous gastronomic predilections appeared to have carried the day, as the Saarc high table featured an elaborate but all-vegetarian menu. The Nepali ‘thali’ main course was replete with local and ‘foreign’ vegetables and organic staples only, and not surprisingly the classic Gujarati sweet dish basundi was the chosen Indian component for the dessert medley from all member nations. Some people may have also been pleased that Pakistan was literally left with a mere tukda, albeit shahi, in that grouping.

Some may be tempted to read a rebuff to a large northern neighbour into the inclusion of momos, a speciality of Tibet and its unofficial ambassador to the South Asian region, to the list of regional delicacies. Listed as a starter and preceding the popular — and metaphorically apt — Himalayan nettle soup on the day’s fare, much can be inferred from their inclusion in the menu. Of course, with Nepal also mouthing its demand to be included in Saarc, China could interpret the momos’ presence in the summit menu as a token of acceptance of its Chinese provenance. So while such wonton behaviour may not stir China to wok out, it cannot be denied that the lunch ended up being a zero dim sum game.