Narendra Modi's welcome dinner for Xi Jinping to include Gujarati dishes

Atithi Devo Bhav, the Indian proverb for welcoming guest is once again relevant as stage is set for welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping to Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

The prime minister, Narendra Modi, once again in his offbeat style has organised a dinner in exclusive style. The highlight of menu is Gujarati cuisine consisting of 100 dishes. The menu mainly comprises Kathiavadi and Indian cuisine. Some Chinese dishes are also included.

In an elaborate Gujarati menu, the Chinese president will get a taste of what a Gujarati tucks in heartily — dhokla. Dhokla will be served alongside several other Kathiavadi and Indian dishes. The other popular Gujarati dishes like handvo, patra, thepla, bhakri, rotli, khaman, kadhi bhaat, bhavnagari ganthia, surati undhiyu, shrikhand and patras will also be served.

There are varities of pickle like chhunda, khatu athanu, sweet chutney, green chutney and kachumar. In desserts, there would be hot jalebi with rabdi, kala jamun to name a few. It may be noted that Gujarati food is a complete meal in itself and Gujarati thali is served with a variety of dishes all in one.

The menu will also feature some of Chinese dishes such as Ming's Jade Soup and water chestnut salad to Asian garden noodles, Yang Tse rice and Chinese sticky cake called Nian Gao. A variety of Oriental dishes will share space.

Not only the menu is exclusive Indian but the venue is also a one of its kind. The dinner would be served in especially created tents which are erected on the Sabarmati River banks. All the tents are centrally air conditioned with allaround elite security arrangements. The menu was planned with local chefs who have upper hand on cuisine along with leading chefs of hotel Industry.

Sanjeev Kappor, Grand Master and celebrity chef, says, "The Indian food is one of the most popular cuisines around the globe and it's gaining popularity and rising to top charts. This is a right platform for showcasing our cuisine. Culture is the bridge to business and this has been proven by the silk route centuries ago. Its relevance has gone up in today's times. Also food binds people."

The writer is a freelance journalist