Beyond diplomatic engagements and formalities, the lunch turned into a warm introduction to the soil, people and traditional local cuisine of Barishal.
Earlier, the US ambassador planted a sapling in the courtyard of the information minister's house.
The guest was welcomed at the lunch with the distinctive flavours of Barishal and the diversity of local dishes. A spread of various fish items including hilsa, an integral part of riverine Barishal's tradition, assorted bharta and fried items, and quintessential rural Bangla dishes was served.
On the dining table, on one side were the flavours of hilsa and various fish such as ayr (a river catfish), intertwined with the waters of Barishal's rivers, and on the other was the eternal Bengali variety of bharta and fried items. Through this multi-course arrangement, a distinct regional form of Bangladesh's timeless hospitality and traditional food culture was presented before the foreign guest.
The final course of the lunch also bore the touch of local tradition. Renowned roshmalai of Gournadi's Sachin Ghosh was served as dessert, along with a variety of traditional sweets including doi (curd).
The warmth of Barishal's hospitality, the diversity of local cuisine, and the taste of traditional sweets—combining all this, the lunch on the second day of the US ambassador's Barishal visit became a distinctive cultural experience.
