Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States, a restaurant in New Jersey has unveiled a unique culinary creation called the ‘Modi Ji Thali’, as per media reports. Created by Chef Shripad Kulkarni, who hails from an Indian background, this special thali showcases a diverse array of dishes, specifically tailored to meet the preferences of the local Indian community.
The ‘Modi Ji Thali’ includes a delectable selection of culinary delights such as Khichdi, Rasgulla, Sarson Ka Saag, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Idli, Dhokla, Chaach, and Papad, among other mouthwatering delicacies. According to Chef Kulkarni, each item has been carefully chosen based on the culinary desires of the Indian diaspora residing in the region. In a video shared by a media agency, Chef Kulkarni proudly displays the vibrant thali while providing further details about this extraordinary offering. The restaurant owner also plans to introduce a second thali dedicated to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the near future.
“We have plans to launch this thali soon, and I am confident that it will gain immense popularity. Once this initiative succeeds, I also intend to introduce the ‘Dr Jaishankar Thali’ as he possesses a rockstar appeal within the Indian American community,” Chef Kulkarni shared.
The ‘Modi Ji Thali’ also serves as a tribute to the International Year of Millets, as declared by the United Nations in 2023 following a recommendation from the Indian government in 2019.
During his state visit to the United States, Prime Minister Modi will be honoured with a dinner hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on June 22. He will also make history as the first Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the US Congress for the second time.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time ‘thalis’ centred around Prime Minister Modi has made headlines. Last year, before PM Modi’s birthday on September 17, a restaurant in Delhi introduced the “56 Inch Narendra Modi Thali” at ARDOR 2.1 in Connaught Place. This lavish thali featured 56 items, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
As the Indian American community eagerly awaits Prime Minister Modi’s arrival, plans are underway to welcome him with an ‘India Unity Day’ march in 20 major cities across the United States on June 18, as announced by organizers. On June 21, several prominent Indian-Americans will join PM Modi on the north lawns of the UN complex in New York, where he will lead the International Yoga Day event.
Furthermore, on June 22, over seven thousand Indian Americans are expected to gather at the South Lawns of the White House, where President Biden and the First Lady will warmly welcome the Prime Minister, accompanied by a ceremonial 21-gun salute. PM Modi will also have the opportunity to address top US company executives at the John F. Kennedy Centre in Washington and later address the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Center in Washington, D.C. during the evening.
As the excitement builds up for Prime Minister Modi’s visit, the ‘Modi Ji Thali’ serves as a culinary tribute, reflecting the deep connection and enthusiasm the Indian diaspora in the United States holds for their beloved leader.
Also Read: Modi To Be 1st Indian PM To Address US Congress Twice
