G20 Dinner ITC Showcases Millet-Based Cuisine for Global Leaders

A unique millet-based vegetarian spread was served by ITC Hotels for world leaders during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Showcasing India’s traditional superfoods, ITC chefs curated innovative dishes under their ‘Mission Millets’ initiative, highlighting the importance of sustainable and nutritious food. The special menu reflected India’s cultural richness while promoting millets as climate-resilient crops vital for food security.

At ITC Sheraton New Delhi, two women chefs presented an array of 20 millet-inspired dishes. Among the highlights were Avocado and Pearl Millet Salad, Jowar and Jackfruit Haleem, and other creative recipes that blended nutrition with fine dining. These dishes were widely appreciated by guests, including Akshata Murty, First Lady of the United Kingdom, and other spouses of G20 leaders. The celebration of millets also aligned with the United Nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, a proposal initiated by India and supported globally.

Millets such as sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, little millet, barnyard millet, browntop millet, and kodo millet are widely cultivated across Indian states. Known as nutri-cereals, they are resilient, adaptable to extreme weather conditions, and provide small farmers with a reliable source of livelihood. Their inclusion in the G20 dinner menu emphasized India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and its role as a global hub for millet promotion.

The ambiance of the event was enriched with traditional elements. The lobby of the ITC hotel was decorated with terracotta pots, hand-painted Alpona designs, and Indian flowers, representing heritage and environmental consciousness. On the official dinner evening, around 170 dignitaries attended the special gathering at Bharat Mandapam hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, where millet-based dishes were the central attraction. Catering for the event was managed entirely by ITC Hotels, reinforcing their leadership in sustainable culinary practices.

In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organized an exhibition at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa. Spouses of G20 leaders participated in millet-focused live cooking sessions led by chefs Kunal Kapur, Anahita Dhondy, and Ajay Chopra. They also explored advanced agricultural technologies and interacted with women agri-champions at the Agri-Street section. The exhibition featured spectacular millet rangolis that captured global attention, further underlining India’s agricultural innovation.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheading India’s global millet mission, the G20 dinner showcased how traditional grains can offer solutions for nutrition, sustainability, and climate resilience. The ITC Hotels’ millet menu stood as a symbol of India’s dedication to promoting healthy and eco-friendly food practices on the world stage.

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