New Delhi, Sept 2026 : A specially curated vegan gala dinner featuring India's diverse culinary traditions and a cultural performance formed a key highlight of the BRICS Leaders' Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday.
The thoughtfully designed plant-based menu showcased India's rich gastronomic heritage while reflecting the principles of sustainability, inclusivity and mindful hospitality for visiting leaders and dignitaries.
The multi-course dinner began with an assortment of refined starters. Guests were served Khandvi Mille-Feuille, featuring delicate steamed gram-flour rolls tempered with mustard, coconut and curry leaves, accompanied by kesar mango, micro-greens and a light yoghurt-style dressing.
The starters also included Khumb Galouti, tender pan-grilled mushroom kebabs served with mint pearls on sheermal bread, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional Indian flavours.
The main course presented an elaborate selection representing different regional cuisines. Paneer Lababdar featured soft cottage-cheese-style cubes cooked in a rich shallot-tomato gravy, while Gucchi Marmik brought Himalayan morel mushrooms and tender asparagus together with saffron, raisins and mamra almonds.
Adding a South Indian touch to the menu was Carrot Bean Poriyal, prepared in virgin coconut oil and finished with freshly grated coconut. Thakkali Belle Saaru, a light tomato-enriched toor dal broth flavoured with curry leaves, provided another regional speciality.
The savoury spread was completed with Millet Pulao, combining basmati rice and pearl millets, along with chilled Beetroot Raita and an assortment of Indian breads.
The dessert course offered an equally distinctive combination. Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi paired seasonal fruits and lightly whipped cream with a crisp sweet fritter. Shahtoot Phirni, a slow-cooked rice and milk pudding topped with sweet mulberries and gold leaf, brought the culinary experience to a traditional yet elegant conclusion.
The gala dinner also featured a special cultural presentation titled “Navarasa – The Universe of Shared Emotions”, celebrating India's classical artistic traditions and the universal language of emotions.
Adding an international dimension to the evening was the BRICS Symphony, titled “One Rhythm, Many Cultures”. The performance brought together musicians from BRICS member and partner countries in a collaborative musical presentation.
Drawing on diverse musical traditions and instruments, the symphony created a shared artistic expression reflecting the cultural richness and spirit of togetherness within the BRICS family.
The musical performance was further blended with India's classical dance traditions, highlighting the connections between different civilisations and cultures.
Through food, music and dance, the evening sought to underline the broader spirit of cultural exchange and cooperation among BRICS nations and partners. The presentation embodied the theme of “Building a Better World Together”, using shared artistic traditions to highlight common bonds across diverse societies.
The gala dinner thus combined India's culinary heritage with cultural diplomacy, sustainability and international collaboration, providing BRICS leaders and dignitaries with an experience centred on India's traditions and the spirit of global togetherness.
