Maharashtrian cuisine has gained popularity not only within the state but also across the country, thanks to its diverse and flavorful dishes. From lip-smacking street food like vada pav and bhel to wholesome delicacies like thalipeeth and sunk, Maharashtrian food offers a wide range of savory treats. The culinary delights are not limited to just savory options; the cuisine also boasts an array of sweet dishes and refreshing beverages. Recently, the US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, had the opportunity to savor some of these amazing delicacies during his visit to Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi.
A video shared on the US Embassy’s official Twitter handle, @USAmbIndia, captured the ambassador’s culinary adventure. Accompanied by three colleagues who explained the dishes to him, Garcetti began his gastronomic journey with a glass of kokum sherbet, a refreshing and tangy beverage that he found particularly delightful in the hot weather. Next, he tried vada pav, which he referred to as a “Mumbai slider,” highlighting its resemblance to popular American sliders. He also sampled sabudana khichdi, a dish made with sago pearls that are commonly consumed during fasting periods.
Moving on to the main course, Garcetti relished Bharli Vangi, a brinjal dish stuffed with a flavorful masala, accompanied by bhakri, a traditional Maharashtrian bread. He also indulged in sooji mutton curry, a rich and aromatic delicacy known for its complex blend of spices. According to his colleagues, the exact recipe of sooji mutton curry is often closely guarded.
Not missing out on the sweet treats, the ambassador held up a bowl of aamras, a luscious mango pulp, and remarked, “It is like being able to have dessert in the middle of your meal.” Before moving on to the desserts, he enjoyed a cooling sip of sol kadhi, a tangy and refreshing beverage made with kokum and coconut milk. Among the sweet dishes, Garcetti tried puran poli, a sweet flatbread stuffed with a lentil and jaggery filling, which he dipped in milk for an extra burst of flavor.
Describing the meal as “incredible,” Garcetti playfully mentioned that his fourth course would be a nap, clearly satisfied with the indulgent spread he had enjoyed. He expressed his fondness for the saoji mutton curry, referring to it as “amazing.” In the caption accompanying the video, he wrote about his love for great food and his eagerness to explore the fascinating flavors of India, one state at a time. He invited suggestions from Twitter users on where he should go next to continue his culinary journey.
The tweet garnered significant attention, receiving 440.6K views, and Twitter users enthusiastically responded with various suggestions for other Indian dishes and regional cuisines the ambassador should try. With his openness to exploring different flavors, Ambassador Garcetti is embracing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of India, and his culinary adventures serve as a delightful celebration of Maharashtra’s delectable cuisine.
