Chef Vishnu Manohar, a renowned culinary expert from Maharashtra, attempted a world record on Sunday by cooking over 3,000 kilograms of Nagpur's famous 'tarri poha' to mark World Poha Day. The event took place in Nagpur, where the chef began preparations in the early hours of the morning.
World Poha Day Celebration
Every year, June 7 is observed as World Poha Day, celebrating the cultural significance and health benefits of this traditional Marathi breakfast dish. While poha is commonly eaten dry with various toppings, Nagpur's version, known as tarri poha, is unique for being served with a flavorful gravy.
Chef Manohar emphasized the importance of this dish, stating, "The special thing about this record is that it is my Nagpur's 'Tarri Poha'. I want to tell the world how much strength 'Tarri Poha' has. Today is World Poha Day, and it is being held on that occasion."
Massive Preparation Effort
The chef started cooking the dish in a giant kadhai (wok) at 2:30 AM and finished at 6 AM. The massive quantity required hundreds of kilograms of raw materials, including 600 kg of poha, 400 kg of desi chana (chickpeas), 500 kg of onions, 300 kg of oil, and 100 kg each of ginger, garlic, coriander powder, and cumin powder.
Once prepared, the tarri poha was distributed free of charge to the public, allowing everyone to experience the delicacy. Chef Manohar expressed his desire to promote Nagpur's local cuisine on a global platform through this world record attempt.
Health Benefits and Cultural Pride
Highlighting the nutritional value of tarri poha, Chef Manohar noted that the dish includes desi chana, which provides protein, while poha itself is rich in calcium. "It is very healthy. It provides you with calcium, proteins, and vitamins," he said. He added that the dish is so filling that it can replace an entire meal.
The chef also explained that no one has ever attempted to cook 3,000 kg of poha at once, and the team will submit their entry for official review to secure the world record.
Previous Achievements
Chef Manohar and his team have organized similar events across India to showcase regional delicacies and distribute them to the public. In January 2024, they prepared 5,000 kg of halwa for the opening ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, another world record attempt.
The event on World Poha Day not only highlighted the culinary heritage of Nagpur but also underscored the health benefits of this beloved dish, bringing together food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
