Nagpur: Renowned Nagpur-based celebrity chef Vishnu Manohar is set to take India’s rich culinary heritage to the international stage, having received an invitation from Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in a culinary and cultural exchange programme in Tel Aviv in November.
Announcing the development at a press conference held at Vishnuji Ki Rasoi on Central Bazaar Road on Wednesday, Manohar said he would represent India’s diverse food traditions, with a special focus on millet-based cuisine, cold-pressed oils and the use of traditional brass utensils. He is one of only two Indian chefs selected for the programme and the sole representative from Maharashtra.
The six-day visit will be organised under the banner of Curated Culinary and Cultural Engagement, an initiative aimed at promoting culinary traditions and fostering cultural understanding between India and Israel.
Manohar also revealed that Yaniv Revach, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai, is scheduled to visit Nagpur on October 19 to extend the formal invitation to him in person.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Manohar said the engagement would provide an opportunity to showcase India’s traditional food practices and the diversity of its culinary heritage before an international audience. His presentation will underline the importance of millets, indigenous cooking methods and traditional ingredients, which continue to hold cultural and nutritional significance in Indian cuisine.
Apart from showcasing Indian food traditions, the chef plans to study Israel’s agricultural practices and explore similarities and differences between the food cultures of the two countries. The exchange is expected to offer insights into their respective culinary techniques, ingredients and approaches to food production.
Manohar also intends to bring back a selection of Israeli dishes and introduce them to food lovers in Nagpur, offering local residents a taste of the country’s culinary traditions.
Vijay Jathe, Milind Deshkar and Sachin Jahagirdar were also present at the press conference and addressed the media.
