Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Mysuru on the occasion of International Yoga Day, where he inaugurated the 'Innovative Digital Yoga Exhibition' at Dasara Exhibition Grounds. Here he spoke about yoga and its place in Indian history. Soon after the conclusion of the event, he was driven to the Amba Vilas palace also known as the Mysore Palace, where he was joined by the royal family for a royal breakfast. Mysuru royal scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and ‘Rajmata’ Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, earlier in the day had also shared the stage with PM Modi at the Yoga Day event. It was ‘Rajmata’ Pramoda Devi Wadiyar who had written a letter to the Prime Minister, inviting him for breakfast. PM Modi obliged much to the delight of the royal family.
The Menu Highlights...
The menu featured many local delights like Mysore Pak, which is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made with gram flour, sugar, and ghee. The dessert was born in Mysuru, so it had to be part of the menu, Pramoda Devi told PTI. And indeed, Mysore Pak has a very interesting origin story. Also called Nalapaka, legend has it that King Krishna Raja of Mysore once asked his cooks to create something unique. One of the Madappas (royal chef) took upon the challenge, and mixed besan, ghee, sugar and cardamom to make a sweet dish that was supposed to be slightly liquidy in consistency. However, when the king got a chance to eat it, it had cooled down and become fudge-like. The king loved the dessert so much, he asked for his name. The nervous and slightly embarrassed chef blurted ‘Mysore Pak’ (pak means a kind of sweet) and the name stuck. Here’s how you can make it at home.
Another popular item on PM Modi’s breakfast menu was the Mysore Masala Dosa. This crepe-like dish comes stuffed with a tantalising masala made of potatoes, onions, tomatoes and spices. This palya that you find in Mysore Masala Dosa, has many more elements such as tomatoes, onions and chillies. It is often fried with ghee or butter too, which lends a delicious texture to the masala.
Mysuru is truly a paradise for foodies. Some other delicacies that one must try here are Ragi Mudde, a variety of idlis and jackfruit. You can also find a variety of vadas here. The Mysore bonda, for instance, which is quiite similar to the batata vada of Mahrashtra. A spicy mixture of potatoes is dipped in a besan batter and deep-fried. You can have the bonda with chutney or chilli pickle.