Ambani Venice dinner: What was included in the fusion of Indian-Italian cuisine

• NMACC hosted an exclusive dinner in Venice on Thursday (7).
• The event celebrated India’s National Pavilion at the art exhibition.
• The decor blended Venetian style with Indian luxury.
• Guests were served Indian and Italian-inspired dishes.
• The menu highlighted traditional Indian home cooking.

The waterways of Venice became a colorful extension of Indian culture as the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) hosted an exclusive sit-down dinner on Thursday (7). The event celebrated the inauguration of the National Pavilion of India at the 61st International Art Exhibition.

The evening brought together global guests, but the main attraction was the carefully designed decor and a menu inspired by Indian home cooking. On Friday (8), businessman, brand consultant, columnist, and actor Suhel Seth shared moments from the evening on Instagram. In his caption, he wrote, "A fabulous sit-down dinner hosted by Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre here in Venice…"

The dinner took place inside a large hall with high ceilings that reflected the beauty and architecture of Venice. A long dining table stood at the center of the room and gave off a warm golden glow.

The table was covered with shimmering copper-gold textured fabric that reflected the light from crystal chandeliers hanging above. Instead of tall flower arrangements, the table featured low floral decorations in pink and yellow shades so guests could easily talk to each other.

Fresh blackberries were placed across the table, adding a rustic and elegant touch. Every guest, including Suhel Seth, received a personalized place card written in gold lettering.

The table settings included ornate gold-filigree chargers, white porcelain plates, and crystal glassware. Large crystal candelabras with multiple tiers created a soft and warm atmosphere inside the historic Venetian venue.

Suhel Seth’s Instagram post described the menu as “an ode to celebrate India and Italy.” The meal combined flavors from both cultures and reflected their shared love for food.

A photo of dinner venue.Instagram/@suhelseth

The dinner started with a fusion appetizer called petit pois kachori. The dish featured a vegetarian-filled pastry served with puglian stracciatella, a creamy Italian cheese, and “Jamnagar mango relish.”

The main course was a traditional Indian thali that celebrated the diversity of Indian home cooking from different regions of the country.

The thali included aloo petha sabzi made with potatoes and pumpkin cooked in a five-spice blend. Guests were also served saag paneer with “freshly churned white butter,” kurkuri bhindi, and yellow dal tadka prepared with traditional tempering.

The menu also featured morrel and saffron pulao, a fragrant rice dish made with morel mushrooms, and Rajasthani dahi bada, described as lentil dumplings soaked in spiced yogurt.

Several chutneys were served with the meal, including lahsoon chutney, dhaniya pudina chutney, and amrood chutney.

For guests who wanted meat dishes, the menu included “railway station chicken curry,” “adraki lamb korma,” and “baingan ka salan.”

A photo of dinner menu.Instagram/@suhelseth

The dishes were served with traditional Indian breads such as poori, nan kulcha, khapli ki roti, and tikori.

The dinner also featured wines, including Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne Brut and Marchesi Antinori Badia a Passignano 2019.

The evening also included special fashion details. Anant Ambani wore a giraffe brooch inspired by his passion for Vantara. Some guests, including Suhel Seth, embraced the Venetian style with masks.

The event became more than just a dinner. By serving dishes like “Rajasthani dahi bada” in a Venetian palace, the Ambani family shared the authentic taste of Indian home cooking with an international audience.