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Delhi is gearing up to host the G20 Summit on the 9th and 10th of September at the newly built Bharat Mandapan Convention Centre in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan area, and preparations are underway for the capital to become the meeting point for world politics. The G20 summit is a pivotal international gathering that brings together leaders from the world's most influential economies to discuss and deliberate on pressing global issues. This year's summit holds great significance for India as it will see the largest gathering of world leaders and underscores India's commitment to fostering world cooperation.
As the city prepares for the 2-day event, every measure is being taken to ensure a smooth experience for the dignitaries attending, and that of course involves providing them with the best of what India’s culinary world has to offer. Since the United Nations has declared this the International Year of Millets, the ancient grain will be the focal point of many of the menus and will also showcase the best local, seasonal produce.
Even though the G20 delegates may be in for an Indian feast, back in their own countries, they all have their personal favourites to enjoy. Here’s a quick look at some of the world leaders who will be in Delhi this week and their favourite foods.
1. President Joe Biden - United States Of America
The President’s true blue American soul shows on his plate as he enjoys a range of dishes, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, BLTs, pizza, cookies, spaghetti with butter and red sauce, and ice cream, occasionally turning it into a full sundae. As a teetotaller, his drink of choice is orange Gatorade and he has a curious aversion to salmon.
2. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - United Kingdom
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has a diverse palate. His mornings start with a choice between a cinnamon bun, a pain au chocolat, or a chocolate chip muffin. He also enjoys idli and dosa for breakfast, a habit he got into from his wife’s South Indian family. For a more comforting treat, he likes the UK stalwart fish and chips, particularly cod with guacamole. Alternatively, he might indulge in bluefin carpaccio with fennel, lemon, and smoked truffle foam.
3. President Emmanuel Macron - France
Though the French have a reputation for gourmet food, President Macron’s favourites are more simple than you might expect. He has a preference for cordon bleu, a dish made by wrapping poultry or veal around Swiss cheese and ham and then deep-frying it. When not indulging in this treat, he sticks to locally sourced vegetables, dairy, and fruits. He also has an affinity for wine, boasting an extensive collection of 14,000 bottles.
4. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - Canada
A big fan of Asian cuisine, he’s often found enjoying Chinese fare although he’s particularly fond of sushi, especially if it comes from his favourite restaurant, Sakura Gardens in Montreal. Like many people, he enjoys a cold beer at the end of the day, but his pizza choices are more divisive as he strongly stands by the idea of using pineapple as a topping.
5. President Yoon Suk Yeol Yoon - South Korea
A passionate food enthusiast, the President is known for being a great cook, has often shown off his skills online and according to his wife is in charge of all the cooking at home. He's known for cooking kimchi fried rice, jajangmyeon pasta, and beef tofu pot. His favourite dishes are doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew).
6. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese - Australia
Australia is known for being a multicultural food destination and Prime Minister Albanese’s favourites lean into the Greek fare of New South Wales. His favourite spot is Corinthian Rotisserie, a restaurant opened in 1980 by a Greek family who relocated to Australia and offers up classic dishes like slow-cooked lamb, souvlaki and moussaka. He describes it as "the best Greek in Marrickville" and praises the lamb dish as "to die for."
7. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina - Bangladesh
The Prime Minister is a known food-lover and in the past, she’s even hand-cooked meals for cricketers and politicians as a gesture of goodwill. She’s also a big fan of seafood and is especially fond of traditional preparations made with Hilsa fish.
