New Delhi: While luxury hotels in New Delhi have laid out elaborate menus for those attending the BRICS Summit, Russian president Vladimir Putin is sticking to his strict regimen.
Known for one of the most tightly controlled food systems among world leaders, the 73-year-old, who is staying at the ITC Maurya, does not rely on hotel kitchens or host-country catering during foreign visits.
Putin is known to travel with his own team of chefs and support staff from Russia. Meals are prepared in secure kitchens set up specifically for his stay and the ingredients, if procured locally, undergo extensive checks. Mobile food-testing equipment is also said to accompany the delegation.
What this means is that even when a visiting leader is surrounded by five-star hospitality, his personal food arrangements can remain largely separate from the hotel kitchen.
The Russian leader and former KGB chief’s protection involves four layers, including personal guards, less conspicuous security personnel, a perimeter preventing suspicious individuals from approaching him and snipers positioned around locations where he stays.
Just like his security arrangements, the reported security protocol does not stop at ingredients and preparation. According to a BBC report, Putin has an official food taster who checks the food before it is served to him. The report says the same precaution is followed for drinks
Putin’s everyday diet, by contrast, is relatively simple and protein-focused. Breakfast often features tvorog, a Russian-style cottage cheese, served with honey or porridge. Fresh juices are a regular feature, sometimes accompanied by omelettes or raw quail eggs. Fish, both fresh and smoked, appears frequently, while lamb is included occasionally. Rich, heavily seasoned dishes are generally avoided.
Simple salads made with tomatoes and cucumbers form part of the meals. Sweet desserts and pastries are largely skipped except on special occasions. One reported exception is pistachio ice cream, often cited as a personal favourite. Drinks typically include fresh juices, kefir and herbal infusions, along with traditional Russian blends such as beetroot and horseradish preparations, as reported by News18.
Food for the Russian premier may be prepared separately by his own team rather than the host kitchen even at formal state banquets. While exceptions can occur, the overall approach remains highly controlled.
Putin’s reported travel food protocol shows just how tightly controlled meals can become where leaders of his stature are concerned.