The recently concluded G20 Summit 2023 witnessed India’s successful Presidency and achievements like building a global consensus on food security and millets. With G20 leaders like US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in attendance, the food offered to Heads of States, their spouses and delegates have become the focus of attention, thanks to the fact that the Summit gave Indian culinary geniuses the opportunity to present Indian flavours and tastes to global audiences.
Among these specially curated Indian meals was one offered by Chef Davinder Kumar, Vice President of Le Meridien, New Delhi and President of the Indian Culinary Forum, to the Prime Miniter of Netherlands, Mark Rutte, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Netherlands, Sigrid Kaag. Both the Netherlands leaders were staying at Le Meridien, New Delhi during the G20 Summit, during which Chef Davinder Kumar served then meals loaded with Indian staples and favourites.
Video Credit: YouTube/ Chef Davinder Kumar
“It was heartwarming to have served the best of Indian cuisine for breakfast to Mr Mark Rutte, Honourable Prime Minister of Netherlands and Ms Sigrid Kaag, Honourable Deputy Prime minister of Netherlands., during their stay at Le Meridien, New Delhi, to attend the G20 Summit,” Chef Davinder Kumar said in a recent post on Instagram, where he also shared pictures with the Netherlands leaders. He also added in the post that the curated menu for these leaders presented them with plenty of regional Indian choices and both leaders were inquisitive about each and every delicacy offered to them.
A closer look at the plates in front of the Netherlands PM and Deputy PM shows that among the many Indian dishes they relished were South Indian favourites—Idli, Medu Vada, Masala Dosa and Sambar. A side of Coconut Chutney and Filter Coffee is also visible on the tables, along with what looks like a Butter Croissant and an array of Indian jams. Chef Davinder Kumar also revealed in the post that since the G20 Summit’s agenda has been all about promoting sustainability and food security, he gifted the Netherlands PM and Deputy PM with his book, Second Meals, which focuses on cooking with kitchen scraps instead of throwing them out.
These curated meals weren’t the only delicacies presented by the culinary team at Le Meridien, New Delhi. Under Chef Davinder Kumar’s guidance, the pastry team at the hotel also created a multi-tiered cake to mark the occasion.