Non-Fussy Eater: Rashtrapati Bhawan Chefs On President Droupadi Murmu’s Favourite Dishes From Odisha

Screengarb from NDTV

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu believes in simplicity and spirituality in her daily life. This philosophy is also reflected in her choice of food.

A video published by NDTV recently provided insights into President diet and showcased the kitchens at Rashtrapati Bhawan. A devout vegetarian, she follows a Sattvik diet, which consists of simple vegetarian meals without onion or garlic and very mild on species too, according to the chefs.

Senior Chef Sanjay Kumar in Rastrapati Bhawan said that she does not have any specific culinary demands, but prefers Odia staples like dalma, a combination of mixed vegetables and lentils tempered with panch phoran masala and garnished with coconut and coriander leaves, and santula, which is usually made with a combination of any available fresh and seasonal vegetables.

The chefs can also be seen making a simple raw papaya dish with turmeric, salt and coriander leaves.

Her breakfast is also very light – oats, poori-aloo, porridge, and chilla (a flat pan-cake made out of rice). “She enjoys everything made with a lot of vegetables and has specific linking for papaya, beetroots and potatoes.”

President Murmu’s tribal roots are amply reflected in her culinary choices and she wants to spread the message of simplicity and humility also through her choice of food in daily life.