‘Indian non-veg food is delicious’: Rahul Gandhi’s veiled dig at BRICS Summit menu
Rahul Gandhi Says Indian Non Veg Food Is Delicious After BRICS Dinner Menu Debate
Bharatmorningnews.com – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Indian non veg food is delicious while commenting on the vegetarian-only menu served at a gala dinner during the BRICS Summit. His social media post was widely seen as an indirect criticism of the food choices made for the official gathering hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gandhi did not directly name the dinner or its menu. Instead, he shared a post featuring chole bhature and pointed to the importance of non-vegetarian cuisine in Indian food culture.
“For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious as are my sister's chole bhature.”
The remark renewed discussion about how official events represent India’s diverse culinary traditions. While vegetarian dishes are a major part of Indian cuisine, regional food across the country also includes well-known fish, chicken, mutton and seafood preparations.
Congress Raises Questions Over Vegetarian-Only Menu
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also questioned the decision to serve only vegetarian dishes to visiting leaders and delegates. He argued that a meal intended to present Indian culture should reflect the breadth of the country’s food traditions.
“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 was not directed at the individual dishes on the menu. Rather, Gandhi and Khera highlighted the lack of non-vegetarian options at an event meant to showcase India before international guests.
The phrase Indian non veg food is delicious became central to the debate because it reflected a wider point: Indian cuisine cannot be defined by a single dietary tradition. Food habits differ greatly by state, community, family and personal preference.
What Was Served at the BRICS Gala Dinner?
The dinner was held on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam for BRICS leaders, delegates from participating countries and representatives of international organisations. The menu featured vegetarian dishes influenced by cooking styles from several Indian regions.
Starters included Khandvi Mille-Feuille, inspired by steamed gram-flour rolls prepared with mustard, coconut and curry leaves. Guests were also served Khumb Galouti, a soft pan-grilled mushroom kebab accompanied by mint pearls and sheermal.
The main course featured Paneer Lababdar and Gucchi Marmik, made with Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus. Other dishes included Carrot Bean Poriyal with South Indian spices and coconut, Thakkali Belle Saaru, millet pulao, beetroot raita and a selection of Indian breads.
Desserts included Old Delhi Fruit Cream with jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni, a slow-cooked rice-and-milk dessert finished with mulberries and gold leaf.
Who Attended the Bharat Mandapam Dinner?
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the gala dinner. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed was also absent after leaving for home following his participation in the day’s BRICS Summit proceedings.
Those present included Union ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also attended the event.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were among the senior political figures at the dinner. Union ministers and chief ministers travelled from Parliament House to Bharat Mandapam in two buses.
Why Food Choices Became a Political Issue
In India, food can carry regional, cultural, religious and personal meaning. Official menus are therefore often viewed as more than hospitality; they can also be seen as a reflection of the traditions being presented to guests.
The BRICS dinner highlighted vegetarian cooking techniques and ingredients from different parts of India. At the same time, the opposition’s response stressed that Indian food also has a substantial non-vegetarian heritage, from coastal seafood dishes to regional meat preparations.
Gandhi’s observation that Indian non veg food is delicious drew attention to this wider culinary landscape. The debate ultimately concerned representation and whether a single official menu can capture the variety of India’s food culture.
FAQ: Indian Food and the BRICS Dinner Debate
Why did Rahul Gandhi comment on Indian non-vegetarian food?
Rahul Gandhi’s comment followed a vegetarian-only gala dinner menu at the BRICS Summit. He used the occasion to point out that non-vegetarian food is also an important part of Indian cuisine and many Indians’ diets.
Were the BRICS dinner dishes criticised for their quality?
No. The political criticism focused on the absence of non-vegetarian options, not on the quality or regional variety of the vegetarian dishes served at Bharat Mandapam.
Does Indian cuisine include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian traditions?
Yes. Indian cuisine includes extensive vegetarian traditions as well as regional dishes made with fish, poultry, meat and seafood. Food preferences vary widely across the country.