From Boardrooms to Food Stalls: Indian Cuisine Steals the Spotlight at Davos

• Indian cuisine emerged as a cultural highlight outside WEF’s formal discussions in Davos.

• Akshaya Patra Foundation’s khichdi attracted long queues of global delegates.

• Warm Indian food offered comfort amid freezing Swiss temperatures.

• Samosas and pakoras also gained popularity among attendees.

• Social media buzz reflected India’s rising cultural and economic global influence.

Inside the tightly secured halls of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Indian policymakers and corporate leaders have been actively shaping conversations on the global economy. Yet, beyond the conference rooms and panel discussions, another distinctly Indian presence has been drawing just as much attention—this time through food.

On the streets near the WEF venue, Indian cuisine has become an unexpected crowd-puller. At a nearby food court, the Akshaya Patra Foundation has been offering servings of khichdi, and the humble dish has struck a chord with international delegates. Long lines have become a common sight at the Indian counter, with visitors from various countries waiting patiently to try what many Indians regard as a simple but deeply comforting meal.

According to news agency PTI, the appetite for Indian flavours in Davos extended well beyond khichdi. Popular snacks such as samosas and pakoras also found enthusiastic takers. For delegates emerging from intense discussions on geopolitics, finance, and climate policy, the aroma of freshly prepared Indian food provided a welcoming contrast to the icy Swiss weather outside.

With temperatures plunging in Davos, many attendees said the hot, wholesome khichdi offered more than just flavour—it provided warmth and sustenance between tightly scheduled meetings. A participant from Japan told PTI that the dish felt perfectly suited to the conditions. He noted that while there were numerous food options available, khichdi stood out for being both comforting and effective in combating the cold.

Images of the Indian food stalls, along with the steadily growing queues, quickly circulated on social media, further boosting the buzz. Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma shared a photo of the Indian food truck, describing it as one of the standout moments of the summit. In his post, he linked the popularity of the food to India’s broader presence at Davos, highlighting both cultural appeal and economic momentum.

Another social media user reflected on how the scene symbolized a larger shift. The sight of global business leaders and billionaires lining up for Indian food, once rare, now seemed emblematic of India’s expanding influence—culturally as well as economically—on the world stage.