Eight-course meal served at Karzai’s banquet:-
Kabul (Afghanistan) August 29, 2005 4:44:43 PM IST
Chefs at the Kabul Presidential Palace pulled out all stops at the banquet on Sunday evening, hosted by President Hamid Karzai in honour of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
An eight course lavish spread was laid out for the visiting Prime Minister, who is a frugal eater and not really much of a gourmand. There were various forms of kebabs and a variety of chicken dishes, besides curries and sauces that were distinctly Afghan in appearance and taste.
There was rice and naan served as accompaniment. Phirni ’ a pudding made of milk and rice paste and ice-cream was offered as dessert. Fruits, which form an essential part of every Afghan meal, were also on offer. Melons, grapes and apricots were greatly appreciated by the Indians. Afghanistan’s Minister for Culture and Information, Dr Rahim, said that never before had he seen such a lavish banquet dinner being laid out for any state guest.
Afghans are very sensitive to their culinary tastes and like Indians are very proud of their epicurean traditions. At the banquet, many Afghan politicians could be seen talking about the similarities and differences of Afghan and Indian food.
Daud Hamidi, a young marketing professional, said that hosting Indians is always a pleasure for Afghan families as it is with Afghan politicians. “There is a natural link with Indians” he said.
In fact, so liked are the Indians here, that many Pakistanis often call themselves Indians rather than reveal their nationality. Clearly, Pakistanis are viewed with suspicion even today, though President Karzai claimed at a press conference on Sunday that Afghanistan’s relationship with Pakistan whom he called “our brothers” was “thriving”.
Yet, there isn’t a single store or restaurant in the capital that boasts of being Pakistani. Nobody watches Pakistani films or tv channels. (ANI)
