From Tadka Dal to Thepla: PM Modi’s Private Dinner in Israel Showcases Indian Comfort Food

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel was marked not only by high-level diplomatic engagements and strategic discussions but also by a warm cultural gesture that drew attention at a specially curated private dinner celebrating Indian comfort food. Hosted during his meetings with Israeli leadership, the menu reflected familiar flavors from India, symbolising both hospitality and the growing personal rapport between the two nations.

The meal reportedly featured popular Indian dishes such as tadka dal, thepla, and dhokla, representing the simplicity and emotional connection associated with home-style Indian cuisine. The choice of dishes carried cultural significance, highlighting Modiji’s personal preferences as well as India’s diverse culinary heritage. Such gestures often play an important role in diplomacy, helping build personal connections between leaders beyond formal negotiations.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a special session of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, in Jerusalem. Reuters | Firstpost

Diplomacy Beyond the Negotiating Table

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shared a long-standing rapport with Modiji, and the dinner reflected that warmth. Informal interactions over meals frequently provide opportunities for deeper conversations, strengthening trust and understanding between leaders. In this case, the focus on Indian comfort food served as a cultural bridge, reinforcing goodwill alongside discussions on defence cooperation, technology partnerships, and economic collaboration.

The dinner also highlighted how cultural diplomacy complements strategic ties. India and Israel have steadily expanded cooperation across sectors such as agriculture, water management, innovation, and defence technology. Personal gestures like sharing traditional cuisine help humanise diplomatic relationships, making them more relatable and memorable.

Food as a Symbol of Cultural Identity

Indian cuisine carries strong emotional associations, particularly dishes considered comfort food, which often remind people of home and tradition. By including items like thepla and dhokla staples from western India along with classic lentil preparations such as tadka dal, the dinner presented a snapshot of India’s culinary diversity. It also demonstrated how food can serve as a soft-power tool, showcasing national identity while fostering cross-cultural appreciation.

Such moments often resonate with the public as much as major policy announcements, because they reflect authenticity and personal connection. For many observers, the menu became a symbolic representation of India’s cultural presence on the global stage.

A Blend of Strategy and Personal Chemistry

While the visit focused heavily on strategic cooperation, including defence and technological collaboration, the private dinner offered a reminder that diplomacy is also built on relationships between individuals. The combination of policy discussions and cultural exchange underscored the evolving partnership between India and Israel, which continues to deepen across multiple dimensions.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s private dinner in Israel, featuring simple Indian comfort foods like tadka dal, thepla, and dhokla, reflected more than just a culinary choice, it symbolised cultural confidence and personal authenticity in diplomacy. Presenting familiar Indian dishes at a high-level international engagement highlighted how India’s traditions and everyday cultural identity can stand proudly on the global stage. Such gestures communicate warmth and relatability, strengthening India’s image not only as a strategic partner but also as a civilisation rooted in rich heritage and emotional connections.

The interaction with Israeli leadership, particularly the rapport between Modiji and Benjamin Netanyahu, demonstrated how personal chemistry and cultural exchange complement formal diplomacy. Informal moments like sharing traditional food often help build trust that supports deeper cooperation in defence, technology, agriculture, and innovation. The dinner became a subtle yet powerful reminder that international relationships are shaped not only by agreements and negotiations but also by respect, friendship, and cultural pride, reinforcing the steadily growing partnership between India and Israel.

(Sources: Firstpost, NDTV)