There is nothing better than a well-stacked table to take bonhomie between people to a new high! In an initiative taken by the embassies of India and Montenegro to strengthen cultural ties between the east and the west, well Known Delhi chef Nishant Choubey is off to Montenegro to introduce Indian cuisine, especially tandoori and thalis, to the people in the city of Podgorica, Montenegro in the European Union. As the people of Podgorica bit into the juicy raan (mutton leg) and enjoyed the piping hot rajma chawal during the weekend festival at the local Hilton Hotel, they couldn’t but warm up to all things Indian! The young chef says, “I am cooking traditional dishes like tikkas and the main focus will be the tandoor, the people there are fascinated by the way we use the clay oven. I will also be holding a demo class where I will be showing how organic produce of that country can be given an Indian twist. The President of Montenegro, H E Milo Dukanovac, and the diplomatic corps of the city will be attending the festival on the big gala opening night, so in a way I will be showcasing Indian food to a global audience. That makes me very excited.”
The festival has been organised by the Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in India, Dr Janice Darbari (a Delhi based writer and author who has been serving as the Montenegro Consul General for many years now) and the Hilton hotel in Podgorica. Since the festival is all about giving a feel of India’s ancient culture and civilisation, Chef Nishant said the Sikandari raan slow cooked with Indian spices and served as it has been done traditionally down the ages is a huge hit at the festival. Since we want to give a taste of cuisines from east, west, north and south India, I am also doing thalis from all these regions. So the menu has Kashmiri Chaman, nadru, yakhni, Bengals pathuri maach to poshto and sukto, From Kerala, there is appam with lobster stew, Karnataka spiked whole lobster with pepper. The signature dish will be achari rajma khichri with homemade wadi! “
E. Dr. Janice Darbari the Honorary Consul General of Montenegro in India said that the first Indian food festival held in Montenegro is aimed at developing Montenegro as a Multi cuisine destination he special Guest at this occasion was the President of Montenegro H.E. Milo Djukanovic and his wife Lidija
The flavours of India were highly enjoyed by them. The Cultural Minister Mr Alexander Bogdanovic inaugurating the evening complimented the Honorary Consul General Of Montenegro in India Dr Janice Darbari on her efforts and stated that through Cultural ties with India and adopting Indian Cuisine as a part Of the growing tourism in Montenegro will strengthen bonds of friendship with India.
The Defence Minister Predrag Boskovic also enjoyed the dinner. The British Ambassador to Montenegro H.E Alison Kemp speaking on the Occasion said that Indian Cuisine was very popular in UK. It was a unique opportunity brought to the doorstep of Montenegro ..
