What India’s PMs Ate Behind the Scenes: Nehru to Modi-Their Food Favourites

From Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Ministers have had varied food preferences. Discover the reported favourite dishes and eating habits associated with some of the country’s most prominent PMs.

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The Food Habits of Our PMs

We all get curious about the lives of people we admire, be it actors, businessmen, or politicians. So, let's take a peek into the dining habits of India's Prime Ministers, from our very first, Jawaharlal Nehru, to the current PM, Narendra Modi.

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Jawaharlal Nehru

India's first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru, came from a wealthy background, and his food choices showed a royal touch. People close to him said he loved Tandoori Chicken, Shami Kebabs, and Kashmiri non-veg dishes. He also enjoyed Western (Continental) food. After his meals, he reportedly loved to have Lucknow's famous 'Malai Paan' (Gilauri) and other traditional sweets. **Lal Bahadur Shastri** Despite being the PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri lived a very simple life. His food was just as simple. He was a complete vegetarian and ate sattvic food. His daily meals included light dal-rice, khichdi, and rotis, without much spice. His close aides said he focused on nutritious food for good health.

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Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi, Nehru's daughter and India's first woman PM, was known as a powerful leader. At one point, the saying went, 'India is Indira and Indira is India'. This strong woman was very particular about her fitness. Unlike her father, she preferred simple food and stayed away from very spicy dishes. She reportedly liked grilled food, fresh salads, and seafood, especially fish. People say she enjoyed the Japanese dish 'Sushi' during her foreign trips. **Morarji Desai** Former PM Morarji Desai had very different and unique eating habits. He strictly followed naturopathy principles and avoided processed foods. He would only eat goat's milk, dates, various dry fruits, raw vegetables, and sprouts.

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P.V. Narasimha Rao

P.V. Narasimha Rao was a great leader from the Telugu heartland. Even while handling the crucial responsibilities of a Prime Minister, he never lost his love for Telugu food. Throughout his life, he preferred authentic Telugu traditional meals. His plate often featured homemade chaaru (which he apparently called the 'Indian Tonic'), muddapappu-neyyi (dal with ghee), gutti vankaya kura (stuffed eggplant curry), and gummadikaya chutney (pumpkin chutney).

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Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a well-known foodie. Even as Prime Minister, he would enjoy everything from street food to non-vegetarian delicacies. It's said he absolutely loved Lucknow's chaat and jalebis, along with fried prawns and sea fish curry. **Dr. Manmohan Singh** Renowned economist and former PM Manmohan Singh was said to be very disciplined about his food. He would eat Punjabi dal cooked with less oil, rotis, and boiled vegetables. He apparently drank only black tea.

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Narendra Modi

Gujaratis are generally known to be food lovers, with a variety of sweets and special dishes in their cuisine. Similarly, current PM Narendra Modi enjoys sattvic food while maintaining his fitness. A complete vegetarian, Modi reportedly likes Gujarati Khichdi, Dhokla, Moringa Paratha, and Makhana. He is also very fond of dishes made with millets. However, since he prioritises yoga and fitness, Narendra Modi eats in limited portions. No matter how much he likes a dish, he eats very little of it and prefers liquids like juices. He also observes a strict fast during Navratri. Overall, the food habits of India's Prime Ministers clearly show the country's diverse cultures and regional tastes. While some gave importance to sattvic food, others enjoyed regional dishes, reflecting India's variety on their plates.