Traditional delicacies from Bihar and Maharashtra formed part of the special menu served during the state visit of Vietnam President To Lam, from May 5-7, showcasing India’s regional culinary heritage and GI-tagged products.
Among the dishes served were Bihar’s famed Silao Khaja, Gaya Anarsa, Mithila Makhana and Hajipur Malbhog Banana, alongside Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes and millet bars from Maharashtra.
Silao Khaja, a flaky layered sweet from Nalanda district in Bihar, is known for its crisp texture and balanced sweetness and carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Another traditional sweet, Gaya Anarsa, prepared from soaked rice flour and jaggery and often coated with sesame seeds, highlighted the region’s longstanding culinary traditions.
The menu also featured Mithila Makhana, or fox nuts, a GI-tagged product from Bihar’s Mithila region known for its nutritional value and association with the state’s agrarian heritage. Hajipur Malbhog Banana, recognised for its aroma, sweetness and creamy texture, represented Bihar’s horticultural produce.
From Maharashtra, guests were served Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes, popularly known as Hapus, cultivated in the Konkan region and prized for their rich flavour, aroma and golden colour.
Healthy millet bars, made using nutrient-rich millets grown across Maharashtra, were also included in the menu. Officials said the millet-based snacks reflected a blend of traditional agricultural practices and modern health-conscious food choices.
The selection of regional specialties was aimed at highlighting India’s diverse food traditions and locally rooted produce during the high-level diplomatic visit.
