As a country renowned for its diverse and intricate culinary traditions, India faces a delightful challenge in representing its flavors at the G-20 Summit in New Delhi. With a vibrant tapestry of regional cuisines that change every 50 kilometers, it’s no small feat to encapsulate India’s gastronomic richness. But the 120-chef team at the Taj Palace is taking on this flavorful task, preparing a staggering 500 dishes to tantalize the palates of global leaders and delegates.

Months of meticulous planning and daily taste-testing have gone into crafting a menu that aims to showcase India’s culinary mosaic This culinary odyssey includes thalis from Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, each featuring 12 dishes that capture the essence of these regions. The high tea menu, meanwhile, pays tribute to India’s street food culture, with treats like chaat from Delhi, pav bhaji from Maharashtra, and paniyaaram from Tamil Nadu.

One of the secrets to authenticity lies in sourcing ingredients directly from their respective regions. Chef Surendra adds, “To make dhokla, for example, the special besan we use has come all the way from Gujarat.” The commitment to authenticity extends to accommodating the spice tolerance of the international delegates. While there are options like safed murgh biryani for those who prefer milder flavors, the chefs are determined not to compromise on the essence of dishes like chicken Kolhapuri.

JW Marriott, another venue for the summit, is equally dedicated to this culinary endeavor. Chef Anuraag Narsingani and his team of over 60 chefs have curated a menu featuring popular dishes from every region of India. “We will be serving 170 dishes every day,” Chef Anuraag shares, highlighting the variety that awaits the delegates. Each day, there will be different renditions of Indian chicken curry, Indian lamb curry, and Indian fish curry.

Given the diverse range of delegates and their national preferences, the hotels are also prepared to offer international dishes or cuisines that cater to the nationalities of the attendees. For example, they’ve planned an extensive Lebanese spread, featuring dishes like Ful Medamas and shawarmas.

The challenge intensifies when it comes to the heads of state, as they might have specific requests. Chef Surendra Negi assures, “While we have given them a sample menu a month in advance, we are ready for choices outside it too.”

With over 10,000 delegates expected from member states, invited countries, and international organizations, including luminaries like US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, this culinary showcase is set to be a memorable experience.

Not forgetting Delhi’s own culinary heritage, the hotels are incorporating elements from the city into every meal. Dishes like puraani Dilli’s nihari, shahi tukda, galoutis, and chaat will be served alongside other delectable curries and gravies.

Delhi’s iconic street food will also have its moment in the spotlight. Muktesh Pardeshi, G-20 India’s Special Secretary, promises an innovative introduction to the city’s street food, particularly from the Chandni Chowk area, for the delegates visiting the international media center.

In sync with India’s commitment to promoting millets in the UN, the menus at the convention center and across hotels are designed around these nutritious grains. Millet counters, featuring items like ragi-infused pad thai, will be a part of every meal, catering to both health-conscious and adventurous eaters.

Even desserts are not spared from the millet makeover. Delights like bajre kheer, ragi badam pinni, and millet-based chocolate bars add a sweet twist to the millet theme.

These sweet surprises are thoughtfully placed in-room as amenities or included in welcome kits, ensuring that international guests have a comfortable and memorable stay. The culinary extravaganza at the G-20 Summit promises to be an unforgettable journey through India’s diverse flavors, artfully presented for the world to savor.