Hotelier Anand Poojary dishes out vegetarian feasts for PM Modi during US State Visit

Kundapur: In a delightful culinary affair, non-resident Indian restauranteur Aloor Anand Poojary, based in Washington, DC, had been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing vegetarian meals for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his three-day State Visit to the United States.

This marked the fifth occasion where Poojary took responsibility for preparing a vegetarian feast for the esteemed dignitary.

Aloor Anand Poojary and his wife, Sumita, have resided in Washington DC for over three and a half decades, during which they have successfully managed the renowned Woodlands restaurant for more than 25 years. Poojary, son of Badiya Poojary and Girija from Kallangadi House in Aloor village of Byndoor taluk, has become the go-to host for Indian dignitaries visiting America, including Union Ministers.

With 2023 being celebrated as the International Year of Millets, the first evening of Prime Minister Modi’s visit witnessed a delectable spread featuring a traditional ‘bisi-bele bath’ infused with a variety of millets.

Poojary ensured that the meal catered to Modi’s specific preferences, which included Gujarati-style khichdi, dhokla, raw and cooked fresh vegetables, fruits, and an array of Indian specialties such as idli-chutney and vada-sambar.  Care was taken to avoid any repetition in the menu, presenting only pure vegetarian delicacies.

It is said that Prime Minister Modi graciously instructed the staff not to go through the trouble of sourcing vegetables from India, suggesting that locally grown and lesser-known varieties be used in the preparation of his meals.