A proud moment for Northeast India unfolded this Republic Day when a chef from Guwahati was invited to curate a special menu at Rashtrapati Bhavan’s high-tea reception. Serving guests that included the country’s top leadership, his menu highlighted the rich, often-overlooked flavours of all eight Northeastern states.

From traditional salads and steamed delicacies to warm comfort dishes and regional sweets, each item told a story of local ingredients and cultural heritage. What made the experience special was the focus on indigenous produce and age-old recipes, presented in a refined, modern way.

This moment wasn’t just about food - it was about representation. Northeast cuisine, which rarely finds space on national platforms, finally got the spotlight it deserves, proving that regional flavours can proudly stand at the heart of India’s most prestigious celebrations.