Reena Pushkarna, a renowned chef and founder of the Tandoori restaurant chain in Israel, commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his enduring simplicity despite holding India’s top office. She shared her experience of cooking for PM Modi during his Israel visit, highlighting his humility that has remained constant over the years. Pushkarna mentioned that even as Prime Minister, Modi maintains a down-to-earth demeanor and remembers people by name.
During PM Modi’s trip to Israel, Pushkarna’s team prepared meals for him, reflecting his preference for traditional Indian vegetarian cuisine and masala chai. Pushkarna, who introduced Indian food to Israel over four decades ago, initially faced challenges as Israeli food habits leaned towards meat-based dishes. She later established the successful Tandoori restaurant chain, although recent times saw some outlets closing due to the pandemic and regional conflicts.
Pushkarna described her culinary work as a form of diplomacy that helped bridge cultural gaps between India and Israel. She recalled how initially Israelis were unfamiliar with Indian cuisine but gradually embraced dishes like chicken tikka and chicken Kasturi. Adapting to local dietary laws, she opened the world’s first Indian kosher restaurant, Kohinoor, in Jerusalem in 1991. However, external shocks, including the pandemic, led to its closure.
Despite the setbacks, Pushkarna remains optimistic about the hospitality sector’s recovery in Israel with improved stability. She believes that tourism, crucial for the region’s prosperity, will rebound if peace prevails. Pushkarna also mentioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s fondness for Indian dishes and highlighted the mutual respect between PM Modi and Netanyahu, emphasizing their cultural connection alongside diplomatic ties.
Pushkarna expressed hope that PM Modi could contribute to regional peace efforts given his relationships across the Middle East. She recounted a significant moment when her Tel Aviv restaurant unknowingly hosted early meetings related to the Oslo peace process, showcasing the unexpected fusion of food, diplomacy, and history. Pushkarna believes that such intersections may occur again in the future, symbolizing the potential for dialogue and understanding.
