WEF 2015: Davos gets snowfall; delegates rush for chai-samosa

DAVOS: As this ski resort town got a fresh coat of snow -- the first in four days since the annual WEF summit began on Tuesday -- it was a mad rush for masala chai and hot Indian snacks at ' Make In India' lounge.

Earlier known as India Adda, the lounge managed by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) plays host every year here to all Indians including ministers and business leaders coming to this small town on slopes of Swiss Alps for WEF Annual Meeting towards the end of January.

A number of business tycoons from across the globe also come visiting and taste the Indian cuisine, prepared by the Taj group of hotels.

Taj has stationed its celebrity Chef Hemant Oberoi in Davos for the event.

Over the years, the place has come to be known for intellectual exchanges over steaming hot cups of Indian 'chai', along with serious business meetings held by Indian ministers.

Taj arranges for breakfasts, elaborate lunches and delicious Indian high teas for the guests. This year's menu has got delicacies from every region and includes dishes like Rava Idli, Tari Wala Murg, Paneer Achari, Channa Masala, Bhel Puri, Batata Vada and Chenna Payesh, Barfi to name a few.

"Its been the largest number of people we have catered to this year. We had over 300 people over high tea and Samosas were flying off the trays. The food that we had planned for three days got over in just one day. People have given us compliments like best bhelpuri, best samosas and all," Oberoi said.

"The Taj Group has a rich legacy of hosting world renowned - leaders, heads of State, royals and iconoclastic artists. As a partner at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2015 for the second year, the Taj has continued its stride as the global visage of Indian hospitality," said Oberoi, Corporate Chef - Luxury Division, The Taj Group of Hotels.

Taj has also catered to some corporate dinner parties including that of Bajaj group and industry body CII.

Oberoi said the biggest compliment has been people coming repeatedly just for food.

Part of Tata group and established in 1901, The Taj Group of Hotels is one of Asia's largest group of hotels, comprising 110 hotels in 64 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, the UK, the US, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.