A ROYAL VEGETARIAN FEAST AT BRICS 2026
When India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, it welcomed world leaders with something truly special—an elegant 100% vegetarian gala dinner. Instead of serving meat or seafood, India chose to celebrate its rich vegetarian traditions, regional flavours, and sustainable food culture. The menu beautifully reflected the country's incredible diversity, from Gujarat and Kashmir to South India and Delhi.
A MENU THAT CELEBRATED INDIA
The carefully curated dinner featured traditional dishes presented in a modern, gourmet style.
●Khandvi Mille-Feuille
A creative twist on Gujarat's famous khandvi.
●Khumb Galouti
Soft and flavourful mushroom galouti kebabs.
●Gucchi Marmik
A delicacy made with rare Himalayan morel mushrooms.
●Paneer Lababdar
A rich and creamy North Indian paneer curry.
●Gajar-Beans Poriyal
A healthy South Indian-style vegetable stir-fry.
●Millet Pulao
A nutritious pulao made from India's traditional millets.
●Jalebi with Purani Delhi Fruit Cream
A delightful dessert inspired by Old Delhi's culinary heritage.
●Shahtoot Phirni
A traditional rice pudding flavoured with mulberries.
Along with these Indian dishes, guests were also served international vegetarian favourites such as Penne al Pomodoro e Panna, Baked Vegetable Au Gratin, fresh salads, breads, and yogurt-based accompaniments.
WHY AN ALL-VEGETARIAN DINNER?
India's decision to serve an entirely vegetarian menu was symbolic. It highlighted the country's long tradition of vegetarian cuisine, the importance of sustainable food choices, and the nutritional value of locally grown ingredients. Millets, declared a "superfood" in India, were given a special place on the menu to promote healthy and climate-friendly eating.
DID YOU KNOW?
●BRICS is a group of major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the UAE.
●India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2026.
●The gala dinner was completely vegetarian, showcasing India's culinary diversity and sustainable food traditions.
AMAZING FACTS
●Gucchi mushrooms are among the world's most expensive edible mushrooms.
●Millets are rich in fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
●Khandvi is a famous Gujarati snack made from gram flour and yogurt.
●Shahtoot is the Hindi name for mulberry, a fruit packed with antioxidants.
CONCLUSION
The BRICS 2026 vegetarian gala dinner was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of India's culture, hospitality, and culinary excellence. By serving delicious vegetarian dishes from different regions, India demonstrated that traditional food can be both nutritious and world-class, leaving a memorable impression on leaders from across the globe.
