Indian cuisine carries the power to forge connections and foster a sense of community. It effortlessly bridges gaps, as people from all walks of life gather around a table, indulging in delectable dishes, engaging in lively conversations, and forming bonds that transcend differences. This magic has been very evident through the journey of US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti and his series of food explorations across the country.
The Ambassador has been making the world drool over Indian cuisine through his Twitter feed as he samples the best local fare in every state he visits. Last week he shared a hidden gem in Ahmedabad and this week it’s a deep dive into the best Hyderabadi fare at Dum Pukht Begum’s at the ITC Kohenur, Telangana, along with many more unique stops to try and understand the cuisine of every state.
In the last week of May, Garcetti got caught in the rain while waiting outside for the IPL Cricket Final and shared his recommendation to visit a small local shop called Vaishali’s Grill. “Found a hidden gem in Ahmedabad while waiting out the rain for the IPL cricket final. Vaishali’s Grill is a mother-daughter team. Mom Vaishali makes incredible momos and peri peri fries. Daughter Priyanka is a photographer and food blogger. I never miss a chance to support women led businesses!” he says
Yesterday he continued his food journey in Hyderabad saying, “I can’t travel to a new place without trying some of the local fare! Big thanks to Chef Shivneet Pohoja from the ITC Kohenur’s Dum Pukht restaurant for a delicious sampling of dakhni chowgra, Hyderabadi gosht biryani, and khubani ka meetha. Yum!”
In the clip posted by the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad, we see Garcetti diving into a steaming bowl of Kacche Gosht Biryani – a dish where the goat meat is added raw and cooked along with the rice. He proves he’s become a biryani aficionado as he declares “Best part of the bone is right in the middle,” before savouring the marrow and declaring it “Delicious!” while Chef Shivneet Pohoja jokingly adds that the best biryani in India comes from Dum Pukht Begum’s ITC Kohenur!
He then ends the meal with the iconic dessert Khubani Ka Meetha “It’s simple, but it’s complex and it’s sweet but also incredibly refreshing. [It’s] made a little bit sophisticated with the saffron threads. This is amazing, this is a beautiful dessert.”
Garcetti had previously been treated to a home cooked meal from his colleagues in Hyderabad where they shared some of their family recipes Mirchi Bhajis, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Tamarind Rice, Gunpowder Chutney, Double Ka Meetha and many more.
He’s all ready for the next leg of his trip and the food adventures to continue and comment sections are full of suggestions for what dishes to try next. With a seemingly endless variety of dishes, we’re sure that Ambassador Garcetti’s journey into the cuisine of India is far from over.