Indian Non Veg Food Is Delicious: Rahul Gandhi Questions BRICS Dinner Menu
Indiadailyupdate.com – “Indian non veg food is delicious,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a social-media post that appeared to question the vegetarian-only menu served at a gala dinner for visiting BRICS leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the dinner at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday, with regional vegetarian dishes featured throughout the meal.
Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, did not directly mention the event. His remarks nevertheless came amid discussion over whether an international menu should have represented a wider range of India’s culinary traditions, including non-vegetarian dishes.
For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious as are my sister’s chole bhature.
His post included a photograph of chole bhature. The comment renewed a political debate over food, cultural representation and the variety of dietary traditions found across India.
Congress Raises Questions Over Culinary Representation
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also criticised the vegetarian-only menu, saying a meal for international guests could have included a broader selection of dishes. He argued that India’s food culture includes celebrated non-vegetarian cuisines from several regions.
India is a rich, diverse, multi-cuisine country, home to some of the finest non-vegetarian delicacies that people across the world relish and enjoy. So why did the Modi government choose to hide this part of India’s culture?
The criticism focused on representation rather than the quality of the dishes served. Vegetarian cooking has deep roots in India, while seafood, meat-based preparations and other non-vegetarian traditions are also central to the food culture of many communities and regions.
What Was Served at the BRICS Gala Dinner?
The vegetarian menu began with Khandvi Mille-Feuille, inspired by the steamed gram-flour snack and finished with mustard, coconut and curry leaves. Guests were also served Khumb Galouti, mushroom kebabs paired with mint pearls and sheermal.
Main-course dishes included Paneer Lababdar and Gucchi Marmik, featuring Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus. Carrot Bean Poriyal, Thakkali Belle Saaru, millet pulao, beetroot raita and Indian breads were also part of the spread.
For dessert, guests were served Old Delhi Fruit Cream with jalebi, along with Shahtoot Phirni, a milk-and-rice pudding finished with mulberries and gold leaf. The menu showcased vegetarian flavours from several parts of the country, but the absence of non-vegetarian options became the central political talking point.
BRICS Dinner Guests and Notable Absences
The event brought together BRICS participants, representatives of other participating countries and international organisations, as well as senior Indian political figures. Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the dinner, while Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed had returned home after participating in the summit earlier in the day.
Union ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Chief ministers and other political leaders were also present.
FAQ: Indian Food and the BRICS Menu Debate
Why did Rahul Gandhi say Indian non veg food is delicious?
Rahul Gandhi’s post was widely seen as a response to the vegetarian-only BRICS dinner menu. He used the remark to highlight the place of non-vegetarian cuisine in India’s diverse food traditions.
Was the BRICS dinner menu entirely vegetarian?
Yes. The gala dinner at Bharat Mandapam featured vegetarian dishes inspired by regional Indian cuisines.
Does Indian cuisine include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food?
Yes. India has extensive vegetarian traditions as well as regional cuisines built around seafood, poultry, meat and other non-vegetarian ingredients. Both are important parts of the country’s culinary identity.
