- Prime Minister Modi is hosting a gala dinner for BRICS leaders on September 12 in New Delhi
- The dinner will showcase Indian cultural traditions alongside an international menu for the guests
- A special cultural show titled BRICS Symphony will feature 160 Indian and international artistes
After a packed first day of the BRICS Summit, the focus shifted from meetings and policy discussions to an evening of food, music, and culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a gala dinner for visiting world leaders and other dignitaries at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12. The evening brought together leaders from across the expanded BRICS grouping over a dinner that also showcased India's cultural traditions.
And while the menu was one of the highlights of the evening, food wasn't the only attraction. A large ensemble of Indian and international artistes performed a special production titled 'BRICS Symphony' during the dinner.
Here's The Menu Being Served At The BRICS Gala Dinner
The menu brought together flavours from across India, from regional classics to Old Delhi street-food favourites, giving the gala dinner a distinctly Indian touch.
Starters
- Khandvi Mille-Feuille: Steamed gram-flour roll with mustard, coconut, and curry leaves, served with kesar mango, micro-greens, and yoghurt dressing.
- Khumb Galouti: Pan-grilled mushroom kebabs with mint pearls, served on sheermal bread.
Main Course
- Paneer Lababdar: Soft cottage cheese in a rich shallot and tomato gravy.
- Gucchi Marmik: Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus with saffron, raisins, and mamra almonds.
- Carrot Bean Poriyal: Carrots and green beans with South Indian spices, coconut oil, and fresh coconut.
- Thakkali Belle Saaru: Light toor dal broth with tomatoes and curry leaves.
- Millet Pulao: Basmati rice and pearl millets cooked with spices and seasonal aromatics.
- Beetroot Raita: Chilled yoghurt with beetroot and fresh herbs.
- Assorted Indian Breads
Desserts
- Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi: Seasonal fruits and lightly whipped cream with a crispy sweet fritter.
- Shahtoot Phirni: Slow-cooked milk and rice pudding topped with mulberries and gold leaf.
Also Read: Nalli Nihari To Lotus-Inspired Mithais, This Is What BRICS Delegates Will Eat In Delhi
The Evening Also Has A Cultural Touch
The dinner also featured a cultural performance involving around 160 artistes. According to reports, Indian classical dancers and musicians formed the core of the ensemble, joined by musicians from some of the other BRICS member countries.
The performance brought together classical dance forms from different parts of India, including Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, and Kathak. Indian musicians also played traditional instruments, while artistes from other BRICS countries were part of the musical presentation.
The show lasted around 20 to 25 minutes, with vocal performances built into it. The Indian artistes reportedly rehearsed for the performance for two days. The production was being led by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the cultural arm of the Ministry of External Affairs.
