What’s On The Menu: The Favorite Foods of 22 Former and Current World Leaders (3 of 12)

Volodymyr Zelensky

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has a particular fondness for steak cooked in a tandoor. (A tandoor is an oriental ceramic oven shaped like a large jug, made from clay.) Zelensky’s love for grilling meat is something he enjoys, even if he doesn’t get to do it often. Zelensky himself mentioned this preference at the start of his presidency, saying, “I generally like to cook meat on the grill, although I very rarely do it. I love the taste of a fully fried, not dry, thick piece of meat.”

Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, is known for her straightforward and pragmatic approach to politics, reflected in her culinary tastes. Her favorite dishes include traditional German fare such as potato soup, sauerkraut, and schnitzel, along with the “Behind the Iron Curtain” cuisine she grew up with, including Hungarian stew and a pickled vegetable and meat stew called solyanka. Despite her busy schedule when she was Germany’s leader, she always found solace in the simple pleasures of homemade meals, showcasing her appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of her homeland.