Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a lunch for visiting Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at Hyderabad House. Deuba arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday on a five-day state visit at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Quintessential Bihari cuisine was on the menu, but strictly vegetarian fare, as is the case with all state lunches or dinners. But Deuba is believed to have relished the food.

We can tell you that the PM had asked for a Maithili-themed menu such as Arikonch ke Tarkari (marinated sun-dried Colocasia leaves, steamed  and cooked in a mustard gravy) and Khaja (deep fried pastry dipped in sugar syrup), among a host of others.

There were 85 invitees from both countries including Union Ministers, top bureaucrats and senior media persons from both countries. Famed artisans from Uttar Pradesh were also present.

Interestingly, both Hyderabad House and the Nepali embassy are located near India Gate. After lunch, Deuba drove to the Nepali embassy to meet top Nepalese in the city.