Mushroom galouti, paneer lababdar, millet pulao, beetroot raita: What’s for dinner at PM Modi’s BRICS day 1?

Indian Vegetarian Menu Highlights BRICS Summit Dinner in New Delhi

Theindiapostdaily.com – The opening day of the BRICS Summit 2026 concluded with an elaborate vegetarian dinner at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted visiting leaders and delegates. The meal brought together dishes inspired by culinary traditions from several parts of India, with millet, regional vegetables, paneer, mushrooms and classic desserts featuring prominently.

Bharat Mandapam is the venue for the 18th BRICS Summit, and the dinner menu reflected the event’s effort to present Indian food through both familiar recipes and contemporary plating. Printed in Hindi and English, the menu card incorporated traditional Indian visual motifs while introducing guests to a broad selection of flavours.

Starters with regional influences

The evening began with Khandvi Mille-Feuille, a modern presentation of the Gujarati snack. The dish used steamed gram-flour rolls, finished with a tempering of mustard seeds, coconut and curry leaves. Its layered form gave a contemporary touch to a preparation widely associated with western India.

Another starter, Khumb Galouti, placed mushrooms at the centre of the course. The soft, pan-grilled kebabs were served with mint pearls and sheermal, the lightly sweet bread often linked with North Indian and Mughlai cooking. The dish offered a vegetarian interpretation of the delicate galouti kebab style.

Paneer, Himalayan morels and millet for the main course

Paneer Lababdar was among the principal dishes, bringing a rich paneer preparation to the table. It was joined by Gucchi Marmik, made with Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus. Gucchi mushrooms are valued for their distinctive flavour and have a long association with Himalayan cuisine.

The main spread also included Carrot Bean Poriyal, prepared with coconut and South Indian seasonings. Thakkali Belle Saaru added another regional element, while beetroot raita provided a cooling accompaniment. Assorted Indian breads were served alongside the dishes.

Millet pulao was included as part of the dinner, placing one of India’s traditional grains within the summit menu. Millet-based foods have received greater attention in recent years for their place in Indian agricultural and food traditions, and the pulao gave the meal a substantial grain-based centrepiece.

Desserts and refreshing beverages

The dinner concluded with two desserts. Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi paired fruit cream with the crisp, syrup-soaked sweet. Guests were also offered Shahtoot Phirni, a slowly prepared milk-and-rice pudding topped with mulberries and gold leaf.

Pomegranate juice and coconut water were served as the evening’s beverages. Together, they offered lighter refreshments alongside a menu built around layered spices, creamy preparations and varied textures.

BRICS Summit Focuses on Resilience and Cooperation

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit under the theme:

“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”

Development, sustainability and innovation are central areas of discussion during the gathering. BRICS has become a significant forum for collaboration among major emerging economies and for promoting Global South interests in multilateral institutions. Its work covers a wide range of subjects, including finance, trade, technology, development and exchanges between people.

The group currently has 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The New Delhi meeting brings together representatives from this expanded grouping at a time when cooperation on economic growth, innovation and sustainable development remains a major international priority.

Leaders attending the New Delhi gathering

Among those attending the summit are Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi are also participating. Their presence underlines the broad international representation at the New Delhi event.

Beyond the formal meetings, the dinner offered a cultural setting for delegates to experience a menu shaped by India’s diverse culinary heritage. From a Gujarati gram-flour starter to South Indian vegetable preparations, Himalayan mushrooms, millet and Old Delhi-inspired dessert, the meal presented regional variety through a fully vegetarian spread.