BRICS Summit gala dinner showcases India's culinary heritage

The gala dinner organised by Prime Minister Modi brought together leaders from the BRICS nations for an evening of culinary diplomacy at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital on Saturday. The carefully curated menu represented India's rich gastronomic traditions, with dishes spanning multiple regional cuisines and cooking styles. The offerings reflected both contemporary culinary practices and time-honoured recipes that have defined Indian food culture for generations.

Among the featured dishes was millet pulao, a nutritious grain-based preparation that underscores India's growing focus on traditional and sustainable food practices. The menu also included paneer lababdar, a creamy cottage cheese preparation, demonstrating India's vegetarian culinary excellence. Dessert offerings featured shahtoot phirni, a traditional rice pudding that exemplifies the sophistication of Indian dessert-making techniques.

The dinner served as a platform for cultural exchange among the bloc's member nations, using food as a medium to communicate India's values and heritage during its tenure hosting the BRICS summit. The selection of dishes, ranging from health-conscious grain-based options to indulgent traditional preparations, showcased the breadth of Indian culinary innovation and regional diversity. The event underscored how India leverages its gastronomic traditions in international diplomatic engagements.