New Delhi, Nov 4 (ANI): The majestic and architectural masterpiece - Rashtrapati Bhavan being the residence of the President of India hosts many dignitaries from across the world. Be it the U.S. President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping or Japanese Emperor Akihito, the visitors include the high and the mighty. And, the men who serve authentic Indian cuisine to the President_s guests are chefs, many of whom have been working here for generations. Though a majority of them have not graduated from culinary institutes, they have learnt to prepare food from their ancestors and old colleagues. 58-year-old Minhaj Ali is a third generation chef, whose grandfather and father have also served in the Presidential kitchen. The man who plans and executes the menus for state banquets, high teas and luncheons at the President_s House is executive chef Machindra Kasture. He joined Rashtrapati Bhavan as executive chef in 2007 on deputation from the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). Kasture heads a team of 26 chefs, including bakers and traditional sweet makers. While planning the menu for visiting dignitaries, they not only keep in mind their likes and dislikes, but also if any of the guests are allergic to certain foods.
