Kamala Harris versus Donald Trump is a hot-button issue in the United States and around the world.
Singapore’s Indian restaurant Kinara does not want the stirring presidential contest to go cold turkey any time soon, and has introduced the Kamala Harissa Tandoori Turkey ($300) to the menu, which it hopes will be a hot item for many during the Deepavali season.
“It is purely tongue-in-cheek, meant to tickle the taste buds,” said owner Raj Patro. “There is nothing political about the item. No offence to anyone – the idea was to take advantage of the focus on the US presidential election and boost our brand.”
Mr Patro used to run 11 restaurants across Singapore until Covid reduced the number to four.
Chef Akhil Prabhu, who came up with the Kamala turkey recipe, pointed out that kamal means lotus in Sanskrit and he has used its root to make the paste.
He has also added Harissa, a North African chilli sauce made with garlic, olive oil, citrus and a few warm spices.
“I cook it slowly and then roast it,” said the chef, who is famous for his fusion food. “Then I keep it in the tandoor. The turkey is actually a satire of our times.”
Akhil has also come up with a Trump Roasted ‘Maga’ Lamb ($225), named after the Republican candidate, to make the serving even.
“It is liberally coated with ‘Maga’ (Make America Great Again) pumpkin seeds and carries a lot of punch,” said Mr Akhil.
Turkey is not typical Deepavali food, so he is not sure how many Indians will buy it. “I chose turkey because it is a celebratory roast and I prefer it to putting chunks of chicken in a sauce. It is meant for all who want to celebrate Deepavali differently.”
So far, orders have been placed for three Kamala turkeys and four Trump lamb legs. “It was our Chinese customers who placed those orders,” said Akhil. “I expect sales to pick up over the weekend.”
The orders have to be placed in advance as it takes three days to marinate the Kamala turkey, and it will be available only till Oct 31.
Call 9416650 to place an order for Kamala Harissa Tandoori Turkey or Trump Roasted ‘Maga’ Lamb.
