BRICS Gala Dinner Menu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted an elaborate gala dinner for BRICS leaders, visiting dignitaries and delegates at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday evening, September 12. The dinner followed the first day of the 18th BRICS Summit and offered guests an opportunity to experience India’s diverse culinary traditions.
The specially designed vegetarian BRICS dinner menu brought together flavours from different regions of India, combining traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques. Millets and other Indian grains also received special attention throughout the meal.
The evening was not limited to food. Guests were also treated to BRICS Symphony – One Rhythm, Many Cultures, a special cultural presentation featuring around 160 performers from India and other BRICS member countries.
What Was Served at the BRICS Gala Dinner?
The multi-course menu was carefully created to showcase India’s regional flavours while presenting familiar dishes in contemporary forms.
Starters: Khandvi Mille-Feuille and Khumb Galouti
The dinner opened with Khandvi Mille-Feuille, a modern interpretation of the much-loved Gujarati snack.
The steamed gram-flour preparation was finished with a tempering of mustard, coconut and curry leaves. It was accompanied by kesar mango, microgreens and a yoghurt dressing, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional dish.
Another starter on the menu was Khumb Galouti, featuring pan-grilled mushroom kebabs served on sheermal bread with mint pearls.
Main Course Highlights
The main course featured a selection of dishes representing different parts of India’s culinary landscape.
One of the highlights was Paneer Lababdar, in which soft cottage cheese cubes were cooked in a rich tomato-and-shallot gravy.
The menu also featured Gucchi Marmik, a preparation centred around Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus. The ingredients were gently cooked with saffron, raisins and mamra almonds.
For a South Indian touch, guests were served Carrot Bean Poriyal, combining carrots and green beans with aromatic spices and freshly grated coconut.
Another dish was Thakkali Belle Saaru, a light lentil-based broth prepared using toor dal, fresh tomatoes and curry leaves.
The main course was accompanied by Millet Pulao, Beetroot Raita and assorted Indian breads. Millets were given particular importance, reflecting India’s focus on traditional grains and regional food heritage.
Desserts Add a Traditional Indian Touch
The dessert course brought together two distinctive Indian-inspired creations.
The first was Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi, combining seasonal fruits and lightly whipped cream with the crisp, syrupy texture of jalebi.
The second dessert, Shahtoot Phirni, offered a rich and traditional finish. The slow-cooked milk-and-rice pudding was topped with sweet mulberries and delicate gold leaf.
BRICS Symphony Features Around 160 Artists
The gala dinner was accompanied by a special cultural programme titled BRICS Symphony – One Rhythm, Many Cultures.
Around 160 artists from India and other BRICS nations participated in the performance. Indian dancers and musicians formed the central ensemble, showcasing several classical dance traditions.
Performances drew inspiration from Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak, while traditional Indian musical instruments were featured alongside musicians representing other BRICS countries.
The programme was coordinated by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and aimed to bring together the diverse cultural identities of BRICS nations through music and dance.
The performance lasted approximately 20 to 25 minutes and also included vocal presentations.
A Cultural and Culinary Showcase at the BRICS Summit
The gala dinner served as more than just a formal meal for the visiting leaders and delegates. Through its regional dishes, traditional ingredients and contemporary presentations, the menu offered guests a glimpse into India’s rich culinary heritage.
From Gujarati Khandvi and Himalayan Gucchi to South Indian Poriyal, Old Delhi-style fruit cream and Shahtoot Phirni, the menu brought together flavours from across the country.
The accompanying BRICS Symphony further complemented the evening by highlighting the cultural diversity shared by the member nations.
BRICS Gala Dinner Concludes First Day of Summit
The gala dinner marked the conclusion of the first day of the two-day BRICS Summit in New Delhi, following a busy schedule of high-level discussions and meetings.
With its combination of Indian cuisine and a multinational cultural performance, the evening provided a grand conclusion to the summit’s opening day while placing India’s culinary and artistic traditions at the centre of the event.