Ahead of Bengaluru Visit, US Envoy Eric Garcetti Seeks Ideas On Must-Have Dishes

Days after celebrating his one-year anniversary in the country, Eric Garcetti — the US Ambassador to India — is now on his first official trip to Bengaluru. While the purpose behind his visit is to explore the Silicon Valley of India and the ISRO headquarters, Garcetti shared a video seeking a tour guide from his followers on X (formerly known as Twitter). He sought advice on the places that he should see and the local delicacies that he must try during his stay.

“Namaskara Bengaluru! I am excited to explore the Silicon Valley of India and home of the #USIndia space programme. As I get ready for my trip, I’m curious to know what’s the must-see sight & one dish I absolutely can’t miss while I’m there?” the diplomat wrote.

Addressing all the Bengaloreans, Garcetti began his video with a traditional ‘Namaskara’ and said, “I hope you are doing well, and I am so excited to be headed on my first official trip as Ambassador to Bengaluru. So I want your advice. What are the places I should see? What is the food that I should eat? What are the experiences I should have?”

His little Kannada touch in the video makes it even more interesting. While social media users flooded the comment section with a lot of suggestions, DK Suresh, Congress MP for Bengaluru also reacted and suggested Garcetti try Masala Dosa. “Welcome to #NammaBengaluru @USAmbIndia. Bengaluru is truly a paradise, while you’re here enjoy a crispy Masala Dosa and soak in the beauty of the Vidhana Soudha!” he wrote.

Another user suggested that he should visit the popular Rameshwaram Cafe and try Podi Idli. A user commented, “Don’t forget to visit Kammanahalli… Great choices for food.. home to students and families of many countries.. you are an Ambassador with a difference.”

One gave a detailed itinerary and wrote, “Begin with Bengaluru’s food joints….The famous Darshini. A healthy breakfast beginning from idli, vada, dosa with strong filter coffee is where it starts. Then go around the temples of Basavanagudi and Malleshwaram to know the history of this great city.”

Following his arrival, the ambassador paid a visit to ISRO and met chairman Somanath S, highlighting the ongoing cooperation between India and the US in the field of space. Former Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, was sworn in as the US Ambassador to India in 2023.