From tadka dal, thepla & dhokla, PM Modi's private dinner in Israel celebrates the best of Indian comfort food

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s private dinner in Israel offered more than diplomatic symbolism. It served a comforting taste of home. The specially curated menu featured classic Indian vegetarian dishes such as tadka dal (spiced lentil soup), thepla (spiced flatbread), dhokla (steamed savoury gram flour cake), idli-sambar (steamed rice cakes with lentil vegetable stew), and dal-khichdi (lentil and rice porridge).

The meal was prepared at Jerusalem’s King David Hotel under strict kosher guidelines, ensuring adherence to Jewish dietary laws while preserving authentic Indian flavours, reported NDTV.

A simple, homely Indian menu

Israeli chef Reena Pushkarna, who supervised the preparations, revealed that the menu was deliberately kept simple and comforting. It included vegetarian Nargisi kofta (curry), kurkuri bhindi (fried okra), paneer (cottage cheese) dishes, and Gujarati specialities such as khandvi, dhokla, and thepla.

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Staples like tadka dal and dal-khichdi formed the core of the meal, dishes widely considered everyday comfort food across India. South Indian favourites like idli-sambhar added regional variety, while paneer and vegetable preparations rounded out the balanced menu.

The entire spread was vegetarian, in line with Modi’s well-known dietary habits.

Modi’s historic Knesset speech

Pm Modi made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. This landmark speech, delivered during his second state visit to Israel, solidified a “Strategic Partnership” that has evolved from quiet cooperation into a high-profile global alliance.

These were the key themes of the address:

Zero tolerance for terrorism: In a powerful moment of solidarity, Modi offered “deepest condolences” for the October 7, 2023 attacks. He drew a direct line between the experiences of both nations, recalling the 2008 Mumbai attacks and asserting that “no cause can justify the murder of civilians."

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Civilisational bonds: Modi bridged the two nations by invoking the Hebrew principle of Tikkun Olam (healing the world) and the Sanskrit Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). He noted that Jewish communities have lived in India for two millennia without fear of persecution.

Economic & tech synergy: Highlighting India as a rising top-three global economy and Israel as a “Startup Nation,” he pushed for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement and deeper ties in AI, semiconductors, and water management.

Following the speech, Modi was conferred with the Speaker of the Knesset Medal, the legislature’s highest honour.