After Samosas, Golgappas Add Zing To White House Menu

Pani puri, golgappa or puchka are popular streetfoods in India. Now, they have made their way to the White House as well.

According to a PTI report, golgappas were recently served at the Rose Garden reception hosted by US President Joe Biden to celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.

The guest list included several elite personalities from Indian-Americans to Asian-Americans, including US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy, who is known for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Another Indian favourite, samosas, have been on the White House menu for a while now, but golgappas are a recent entrant.

Community leader, Ajay Jain Bhutoria said, "Last year, when I was here, there were golgappas/pani puri. This year, too, I was looking for them and then suddenly one of the servers brought in the pani puri/golgappa. That was amazing. The taste was dingy and a little spicy. Perfect!"

The golgappas whipped Bhutoria's curiosity and he met White House executive chef, Cristeta Comerford, to inquire if they were made at the White House.

She is said to have told him that everything was made at the White House. Bhutoria also mentioned the menu included 'khoya' as well.

The mouth-watering taste of spicy and tangy golgappas have gained fandom in the US in the last few years. 

"A lot of US administration officials, whether people from the State Department or the White House, have travelled to India many times. I'm sure the counterparts over there say of all the street foods, you need to try golgappa. I'm sure they have stopped somewhere, taken them on the roadside or whichever of the five-star hotels. After they tested it out, they said, oh, we must serve this in the White House," Bhutoria remarked.

He further elaborated that golgappas have been a part of several celebrations in the US, like the Diwali party at the State Department, and the Vice-President's house showcasing the popularity of the street food.