Rahul Gandhi takes dig at BRICS dinner menu: “80% of Indians are non-vegetarian”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the government in a post on X, highlighting India’s diverse food preferences.

“For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian,” Gandhi wrote, adding that “Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious,” before referring to his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s chole bhature.

Congress leader Pawan Khera also criticised the Centre over the menu, accusing the BJP-led government of imposing its dietary preferences on others.

“The BJP’s habit of imposing its dietary preferences on fellow Indians is already deeply problematic. Now, they have taken it a step further by imposing their own choices on dignitaries from across the world,” Khera said.

He argued that India’s culinary heritage extends well beyond vegetarian cuisine.

“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?” he said.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju hit back at the criticism, accusing the Congress of politicising the food served at the summit dinner.

“I can’t believe that the Congress party is making politics even on the food menu served to the leaders of BRICS nations,” Rijiju said.

He said the visiting dignitaries had enjoyed the vegetarian spread, describing it as a showcase of India’s rich culinary traditions.

“Our guests relished Indian vegetarian cuisine which are rich in flavour and nutritional variety with diverse regional traditions,” Rijiju said.

What was served at the BRICS dinner?

The grand dinner featured an elaborate vegetarian spread designed to highlight the diversity of Indian cuisine, with dishes drawing inspiration from different regions of the country.

The starters included Khandvi Mille-Feuille, a steamed gram-flour preparation tempered with mustard, coconut and curry leaves, along with Khumb Galouti, tender pan-grilled mushroom kebabs served with mint pearls and sheermal.

The main course featured Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik made with Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus, Carrot Bean Poriyal prepared with South Indian spices and coconut, and Thakkali Belle Saaru. The spread also included millet pulao, beetroot raita and an assortment of Indian breads.

The dinner ended with desserts including Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni, a slow-cooked milk-and-rice pudding topped with mulberries and gold leaf.

India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders and senior representatives from BRICS member countries.