'Millet pulao', 'paneer lababdar', 'shahtoot phirni': BRICS Summit gala dinner menu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi organised a high‑profile gala dinner for the leaders and delegations of the BRICS summit at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in central Delhi on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The dinner formed part of the opening day of the two‑day summit, which runs on September 12‑13 and brings together heads of state from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The menu highlighted a range of Indian specialties, beginning with starters such as khandvi mille—a steamed gram‑flour roll garnished with mustard, coconut, curry leaves, kesar mango and yoghurt dressing—and khumb galouti, pan‑grilled mushroom kebabs served on sheermal bread. Main courses included paneer lababdar, gucchi marmik (Himalayan morel mushrooms with asparagus, saffron, raisins and mamra almonds), carrot‑bean poriyal, thakkali belle saaru, millet pulao, beetroot raita and assorted breads. Desserts featured Old Delhi fruit cream with jalebi and shahtoot phirni, while an ensemble of over 100 artists performed for the VVIP guests.

The dinner underscored India’s effort to project its culinary heritage on an international stage and to provide a culturally rich hospitality experience for the summit’s participants. By featuring regional ingredients and elaborate presentations, the event aimed to reinforce diplomatic goodwill and highlight Delhi’s capacity to host large‑scale multilateral gatherings.