Rahul Gandhi Says Indian Non Veg Food Is Delicious After BRICS Dinner
Bharatmorning.com – “Indian non veg food is delicious,” Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post that appeared to take aim at the vegetarian-only menu served at the BRICS Summit gala dinner. His remarks highlighted the place of non-vegetarian cuisine within India’s diverse food traditions.
Gandhi did not directly name the government or the official dinner. He shared a photograph of a lunch spread featuring chole bhature and referred to the dietary preferences followed by a large section of Indians.
For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious as are my sister’s chole bhature.
Congress Raises Questions Over Vegetarian-Only Menu
The post followed a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam for BRICS leaders, representatives of participating countries and international organisations. The menu featured dishes from several Indian culinary traditions, but all preparations were vegetarian.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also questioned the choice, saying India’s food culture includes vegetarian cooking as well as meat and seafood dishes enjoyed across many 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 political criticism centred on representation rather than the quality of the dishes. Gandhi’s comment that Indian non veg food is delicious was presented as an argument that a formal menu showcasing India should acknowledge the country’s wider range of dietary traditions.
What Was Served at the BRICS Summit Gala Dinner?
The vegetarian spread opened with Khandvi Mille-Feuille, a steamed gram-flour roll flavoured with mustard, coconut and curry leaves. Guests were also served Khumb Galouti, a mushroom kebab accompanied by mint pearls and sheermal.
The main course included Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik made with Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus, Carrot Bean Poriyal, Thakkali Belle Saaru, millet pulao, beetroot raita and Indian breads.
Desserts included Old Delhi Fruit Cream with jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni, a milk-and-rice pudding finished with mulberries and gold leaf. The menu brought together flavours associated with different regions, including coconut-based southern dishes, millet preparations and Old Delhi-style sweets.
Who Attended the Dinner?
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the dinner. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed was also absent after leaving for home following his participation in the BRICS Summit earlier that day.
Those present included Union ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Political leaders including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra’s Devendra Fadnavis, West Bengal’s Suvendu Adhikari and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were also on the guest list.
Why the Menu Sparked a Food Diversity Debate
India’s culinary landscape varies widely by region, community and household. Vegetarian food has a major place in that landscape, alongside seafood, meat and poultry dishes associated with coastal states, the North, East, Northeast and South India.
Official dinners often serve as cultural showcases for visiting leaders, making menu choices symbolically important. In this case, the vegetarian-only selection prompted Congress leaders to argue that Indian non veg food is delicious and deserves recognition alongside the country’s extensive vegetarian repertoire.
FAQ: Indian Food Diversity and the BRICS Dinner
Why did Rahul Gandhi comment on Indian non-vegetarian food?
Rahul Gandhi’s post appeared after the BRICS gala dinner featured an entirely vegetarian menu. He used the occasion to highlight the non-vegetarian food preferences and culinary traditions found across India.
Was the BRICS Summit dinner vegetarian?
Yes. The gala dinner menu included regional Indian dishes, but the reported selection consisted entirely of vegetarian preparations.
What was the main issue raised by Congress?
Congress leaders argued that a vegetarian-only official menu did not fully represent India’s broad culinary heritage, which includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food traditions.