From a traditional Nepali thali to Gujarati Basundi with Jalebi, a lavish vegetarian spread consisting of various cuisines was laid out for the SAARC leaders as they met in the cooler climes of Dhulikhel resort for a retreat session. The leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived at the resort in the morning and held talks in informal settings where most leaders were seen in a relaxed mood.All the leaders wore long yellow scarves and posed for photographs while engaging in some chit chat. Bangladesh Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina could not join her counterparts at the retreat as she was unwell. Foreign Ministers of SAARC countries, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz, were also present at the retreat.The starter served at the lunch, hosted by Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, included dumplings infused with spinach, seasonal vegetables and home-made cottage cheese. It was served with Himalayan spicy tomato pickle. For the main course there was a Nepali thali with dishes like cauliflower curry, cottage cheese curry, zucchini curry, spiced mushroom curry, lentil kofta, sauteed palung greens, organic rice and chapatis. The salad served at the lunch comprised of cucumber rolls filled with avocado, cheese and mizuna greens topped with fenugreek, fruit and edible flower and molasses. Nettle and fenugreek soup was also served along with home-made assorted breads.A selection of desserts from all eight member countries was served.Gujarati Basundi with Jalebis from India and Baklava from Afghanistan was on the menu. The dessert from Bangladesh was Rasbari while Shahi Tukra from Pakistan was also served. Pirni from Maldives, Nepal's Sikarni, Bhutanese Dessert Daisee and Waterlappan from Sri Lanka decked the dessert table.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a vegetarian and has been having simple food with less spices and less oil. The retreat session came a day after all leaders addressed the 18th session of the SAARC. Image Courtesy: Associated Press
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