PM enjoys Amritsari cuisine

By Sarabjit Pandher

AMRITSAR, NOV. 3. The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, got an opportunity to savour the choicest Amritsari cuisine.

According to the owner of the newly-built M.K. Hotel, Mr. Sanjay Malhotra, Mr. Vajpayee preferred small helpings of various dishes. For dinner, he had `makki-ki-roti' with `sarson- ka-saag' garnished with fresh white butter. The other dishes he relished included `roasted potatoes,' `kaathi kabab,' `kesari paneer tikka,' `kardi chawal,' `paneer tawa masala,' `shabnam kardi,' `birbal kofta' and `kaju matter makhan korma' - all prepared by chefs with `Amritsari expertise.' This was preceded by a serving of the indigenous recipe of `palak' soup. The hotel staff, who had been deputed to serve on the VVIP guest, were rather amused to find that Mr. Vajpayee had a `sweet tooth.' They said the Prime Minister had special compliments for the special `kheer' and the `gulab jamuns.'

The breakfast was another famous Amritsari delight - the `kesar lassi.' And in view of Mr. Vajpayee's liking for sweets, `Amritsari amriti' was served. Waiters said the Prime Minister had a penchant for spicy and hot Amritsari dishes. The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, was seen passing bowls containing pickles to Mr. Vajpayee.

While the doctors attending on him were apparently concerned, if not alarmed, the Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani, limited himself to the ordinary `dahi-chawal.'

For the other members of the BJP national executive, the flavour and taste of `laccha paranthas,' `kulchas,' special `naans,' `bhatura' and `kachauri' with a variety of `channa' and `paneer' preparations were a `lifetime experience.'

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