As New Delhi prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, 2026, the city's top luxury hotels are meticulously crafting unique culinary experiences for world leaders, diplomats, and business delegations. A central theme of the menus is a strong emphasis on millets, local Indian produce, and flavors balanced to suit a global palate.
Millet and Local Produce at the Forefront
Executive sous chef Amit Biswas of The LaLiT, New Delhi, confirmed the hotel's commitment to promoting millets, aligning with the Prime Minister's focus on the grain. He stated that the menus are designed to showcase India's culinary heritage through traditional vegetables, farm-grown produce, and Indian spices, while ensuring spice levels are comfortable for international guests.
The culinary teams are dedicated to highlighting local products, offering delegates a true taste of what India has to offer. This approach extends beyond just main courses, influencing breakfast spreads and snack selections.
Diverse Culinary Offerings from Delhi's Elite Hotels
Hotels like The LaLiT, The Leela Palace, and The Taj Mahal are integrating contemporary and international influences with traditional Indian dishes:
- The LaLiT: Alongside its millet-forward selection, the menu includes refined takes on classics such as galouti kebabs and tandoor-baked breads. It also features international dishes like Braised Eggplant with Miso Paste and Simmered Chinese Cabbage.
- The Leela Palace: Executive sous chef Astik Oberoi highlighted thoughtfully curated menus for each delegation. Offerings include an edible handcrafted lotus made with rose, saffron, and cardamom, paired with indigenous Indian fruits. The hotel also provides Aujasya millet cookies, handmade granola bars, and wellness infusions, utilizing traditional grains like barley, jowar, and sattu.
- The Taj Mahal: Their “Tradition to Table” selection draws inspiration from chefs’ earliest culinary mentors, featuring regional snacks such as spiced walnuts from Kashmir, Purani Dilli Maida Kaju, Maharashtra’s Bhakarwadi, Rajasthan’s Mini Kachori, Bengal’s Kucho Nimki, and Tamil Nadu’s Murukku.
Summit Details and Attendees
The 2026 BRICS Summit will bring together leaders from member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees. Expected attendees include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The summit agenda includes a closed session on inclusive global governance, a visit to the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a joint tree plantation, and a gala dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, where these specially curated menus will be served.