Mango Lassi for Angela Merkel; 45 Star Chefs Whip Up Food in Hannover During PM Narendra Modi's Visit

Mango lassi for German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Gujarati snacks like khandvi, dhokla and khakras for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The chef's pick as the two leaders inaugurated the India pavilion at the Hannover trade fair this morning.

There are 45 chefs actually - India's most celebrated - working as a team in Germany to feed the 3000-strong Indian contingent attending the Hannover Messe, the world's biggest trade fair, where India is a partner and has pride of place this year.

Last night, when PM Modi dined with the German Chancellor and about 2000 other people, the star chefs - drawn from top Indian hotels and usually seen as bitter rivals back home - cooked as one with great attention to detail, proud to be representing the country.

Food, say the celebrity chefs, is a key element of diplomacy. "We as a nation are slowly recognising the importance of food... it carries the image of the country. It communicates your culture. Food is a country's primary culture," said star chef Manjeet Gill.

But food in focus at a trade fair? The chefs see no anomaly. "Food will draw investors to India, food draws people," said chef Ravi Tej.

Like a star chef in the contingent, Gill, pointed out succinctly, "Everyone eats."

They are whipping up pan-Indian menus, keeping in mind special instructions on the likes and dislikes of the VVIPs they are cooking for. Like keeping in mind that Ms Merkel, 60, does not like tea and should be served mango lassi instead.

They also have a message for the Indian government: "The ministry of culture should list food as an art. Let us be recognised as artists," said another chef.