Indo-African Summit: Taste of India at dinner for African dignitaries

NEW DELHI: It was a food lovers delight on Wednesday evening when choicest of India's traditional cuisine was served to 40 African heads of state and governments and other leaders at a dinner hosted by the PM on the occasion of India Africa Forum Summit.

The exclusive menu crafted by Hotel Ashoka chefs displayed the traditional gastronomy of India at the dinner organized at the crafts museum of Delhi.

From authentic Kashmiridelicacies prepared with the choicest spices, to the coastal flavors of South India and palate-pleasing combination of sweet and sour flavors of Gujarati cuisine, the authentic menu reflected the culinary treasures of traditional India in its truest sense.

The non-vegetarian menu comprised of The Ashok’s signature Kebab-e-Bannu, Tandoori Prawns and Pathar Kebab for starters. While the main course was Malabar Meen Curry, MurgRihana and Dum ki Gosht Biryani in a flavorful combination of aromatic rice and lamb curry with special spices.

The menu also included signature recipes of The Ashok, including the delectable vegetarian platter with Chutney Paneer Tikka, Subz Til Kebab and the famous Moti-e-Zamin for starters. The main course included Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Panir Rihana, AdrakiGobhi, Dal Dera Ismail Khan and the host’s favorite VatanaMuthia nu Shaak, served along with the choices of assorted Indian breads.

The beverage menu included refreshing Mint Sorbet and Qehwa/South Indian coffee while the sweet tooth cravings of the guests were taken care by The Ashok’s delicious Stuffed Kala Jamun served along with Rabri, Saffron flavored Sandesh, ShriKhand and Taaze phal.

Earlier the PM held separate bilateral meetings with almost 20 visiting African leaders including South African President Jacob Zuma, Nigerian President Buhari and 91-year-old Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe. A common theme in all god meetings was UN Security Council reforms (with India eyeing seat in permanent category) and joint counter-terror initiatives. The other issues which figured in the meetings included defence and maritime security cooperation, oil exploration and India's support for infrastructure and capacity building and development projects in these African countries.