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This is what Chinese President Xi Jinping will relish tonight at a special dinner hosted by PM Modi

TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Last updated on - Oct 11, 2019, 16:46 IST

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PM Narendra Modi to host a special dinner for Xi Jinping

Food is the best medium that connects people and we think Chinese President Xi Jinping's India tour will see a lot of it tonight in Mamallapuram. Xi has arrived in India this afternoon and is to kick start an informal two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will see a special dinner tonight hosted by Prime Minister Modi, offering the real ‘Taste of India’. If reports are to be believed, special focus will be on showcasing South Indian cuisine and Xi will be served a wide range of regional dishes for which a team of senior chefs are working for days.

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Rasam and Sambar

According to news agencies, from Thakkali Rasam to Arachavitta Sambar to Kadalai Kuruma and Kavanarasi Halwa, all the famous dishes of South Indian cuisine are being prepared for the dinner that will see several dignitaries of the Chinese government.

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Spread of regional cuisine

From Chettinad to Karaikudi, the dinner table will have all the unique flavours apart from the regular appam, dosa, idli and vada. It is expected that the regional spread will include dishes like meen kuzhambu (fish curry), nandu (crab) masala, sura puttu (shark fin curry), and eral (prawn) masala

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Banana leaves culture

In South, traditional meals are served in Chettinad style on banana leaves and follow a specific protocol – each dish has a designated space and order in which it has to be served. It is also expected that Xi might taste the regional delicacies on fresh banana leaves.

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Healthy food spread

Prime Minister is known for his simple and healthy diet of Khichdi and according to sources, the elaborate menu will also see Modi's favourites, keeping his two-day busy schedule.

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Vegetable gate

The rich food culture of South is known to all and to give a glimpse of it to Xi, 200 staff members and trainees of the Department of horticulture have prepared a welcome gate in 10 hours that has used almost 18 types of vegetable and fruits for decoration. It is reported that these fruits and vegetables have been brought from different parts of the state.

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Banana tree tradition

Southern India has a deep connection with banana leaves and to reflect that connect traditional banana trees have been planted near Shore Temple for the grand welcome of Modi and Xi along with a colourful spread of red and white roses.

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