A Foundation of Simplicity
At the core of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diet is a commitment to simple, vegetarian meals. He has embraced a vegetarian lifestyle from his early years, preferring light, home-cooked food that is easy to digest. This approach, often described as 'sattvik',
is designed to provide sustained energy for his long working hours. A standout favourite is Khichdi, a comforting and nutritious one-pot meal of rice and lentils. He has often spoken of his fondness for this dish, which he used to cook himself in his early career. His preference for Khichdi is so well-known that it is often served at party functions and he has even shared his preparation tips with others.
The Gujarati Connection
The Prime Minister's culinary preferences are deeply influenced by his Gujarati heritage. Beyond Khichdi, his diet includes a variety of traditional dishes from the region. White Khatta Dhokla, a steamed and fermented gram flour snack, is a notable favourite. Other regional specialties he is known to enjoy include Bhindi Kadhi, a yogurt-based curry with okra, and Sev Tameta nu Shaak, a tangy tomato curry topped with crispy chickpea flour noodles. Even when travelling, he is often accompanied by his personal cook to ensure he can maintain his simple, Gujarati-style eating habits. For a treat, he enjoys Shrikhand, a classic dessert made from strained yogurt, though it is consumed in moderation.
Power-Packed and Plant-Based
His daily meals are built around nutrient-dense, plant-based ingredients. Breakfast often consists of light Indian dishes like Poha or Upma. He is a strong proponent of incorporating superfoods into his diet. Moringa (drumstick) parathas are a regular feature, valued for their rich antioxidant properties. Millets, makhana (fox nuts), and even black rice are other ingredients he champions for their health benefits. In fact, he revealed he consumes makhana on at least 300 days of the year, considering it a superfood that should be promoted globally.
Discipline in Fasting
An integral part of his lifestyle is disciplined fasting, which he has practiced for decades as a spiritual and scientific discipline. He observes the four-month period of Chaturmas, during which he eats only one meal per day. His fasting becomes even more rigorous during the two Navratri festivals each year. During Sharad Navratri (September-October), he has been known to consume only hot water for nine days. For Chaitra Navratri (March-April), he adopts a fruit-based diet, often eating only one type of fruit, such as papaya, for the entire nine-day period. Despite these strict fasts, he maintains his demanding work schedule, stating that the practice sharpens his mind and enhances his energy.
