Chinese President Xi's India visit: Xi Jinping, first lady Peng Liyuan treated to Gujarati thali

AHMEDABAD: From dhokla to undhiyu and khichdi, some 20 Gujarati delicacies were on platter at the dinner organised for visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan here this evening.

"They certainly enjoyed it," Gujarat state spokesperson and senior minister Nitin Patel told PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Anandiben Patel were seated across the table at the dinner at Sabarmati river front, he said, adding 22 people, 11 from each side, had food together.

The guests were served more than 20 Gujarati dishes. According to Gujarati tradition, the dinner started with farsaan items including khaman, dhokla, khandvi, sev khamani and khasta kachori.

The Chinese president and his wife were also served Rajwadi chhas (buttermilk with mint and coriander) during the farsan course.

This was followed by a sumptuous Gujarati thali which included ringana methi nu shak (eggplant cooked with fenugreek leaves), Gujarati khatti mithi daal (sweet and sour lentil) and undhiyu (mixed vegetable prepared with spinach paste).

It also included bhindi sambhariya (ladyfingers curry), aloo rasila (potato and tomato thin curry), steamed basmati rice and badshahi khichdi.

Chapati, methi na thepla and bhakhri with kachumber salad made up the main course.

Thandu doodh paak (a rice pudding), mango shrikhand, garam beetroot halwa and sugar free ghaun na ladu were for dessert.

Later the Chinese president and his wife left for New Delhi.