From Kurkuri Bhindi To Dhokla: Who Is Reena Pushkarna? The Chef Behind PM Modi’s Special Menu In Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel included a special private dinner hosted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. The dinner was not just a formal meeting but also a cultural exchange that reflected warmth and mutual respect between the two nations.

The meal was prepared at the historic King David Hotel, where chefs designed a menu inspired by traditional Indian cuisine. The focus remained on simple, vegetarian dishes that matched Prime Minister Modi's dietary preferences while also following strict kosher food rules in Israel.

Who Is Reena Pushkarna?

Reena Pushkarna is one of the most well-known Indian chefs and restaurateurs in Israel. Often called Israel's "curry queen," she has played a key role in introducing authentic Indian flavours to Israeli diners for decades.

Born into the family of an Indian Army colonel, she moved to Israel and built a strong reputation through her restaurants in Tel Aviv. Over the years, she has become a cultural ambassador of Indian cuisine in the country.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, Reena Pushkarna was closely associated with the Indian menu planning. She is widely recognised as the chef who helped design and guide the preparation of the Prime Minister's vegetarian dinner in Jerusalem. Her deep understanding of Indian spices, regional dishes and kosher food rules made her an important part of the culinary arrangements.

The Special Indian Menu Prepared in Israel

The dinner menu reflected simplicity and authenticity, keeping in mind PM Modi's vegetarian food preferences and Israel's kosher regulations. The carefully curated menu included:

Tadka Dal
Dal Khichdi
Idli with Sambhar
Vegetarian Nargisi Kofta
Kurkuri Bhindi
Paneer-based vegetarian dishes
Dhokla
Khandvi
Thepla

The dishes represented different regions of India - from North Indian lentil-based comfort food to South Indian idli-sambhar and Gujarati snacks like dhokla and khandvi. The menu was designed to be light, nutritious and easy to digest, while still offering rich Indian flavours.

Why Veg?

The entire dinner was vegetarian, keeping in mind Prime Minister Modi's well-known food habits. A vegetarian menu also made it easier to follow kosher food rules, which guide food preparation in Jewish tradition.

Kosher laws place strict restrictions on mixing meat and dairy products. By choosing vegetarian dishes, chefs were able to avoid such complications and create a menu that suited both Indian tastes and Israeli dietary requirements.

Vegetarian Indian cuisine also offers a wide range of flavours using spices, lentils and vegetables, making it ideal for a formal diplomatic dinner.

Her Journey and Contributions

Reena Pushkarna's journey goes beyond serving dignitaries. In 2014, she and her team prepared nearly 400 kilograms of biryani for over 2,000 Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border, showing solidarity and community support.

In 2017, during PM Modi's historic Israel visit, she once again came into the spotlight for her culinary role.

Her restaurant in Tel Aviv has also been part of history. It served as a venue during the Norway-mediated talks between Israeli and Palestinian representatives in 1993, which later contributed to a peace accord.

In 2023, she was honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This award is the highest recognition given to overseas Indians for their exceptional contribution abroad. The Indian diaspora in Israel celebrated her achievement proudly.

Reena Pushkarna's story shows how food can become a powerful bridge between nations. From cooking for soldiers to preparing meals for world leaders, she has represented Indian culture with pride. Her role in planning PM Modi's dinner menu in Israel once again highlighted her importance as a culinary ambassador connecting India and Israel through taste, tradition and hospitality.