RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka has strongly defended the all-vegetarian menu presented to international delegates at the recent BRICS Summit gala dinner. Goenka's remarks, shared on social media, address the controversy sparked by the menu choice, asserting India's rich vegetarian culinary heritage.
Goenka expressed his bewilderment over the criticism, stating that India possesses arguably the world's richest vegetarian cuisine, making it an ideal showcase. He emphasized that the menu was far from ordinary, describing it as a comprehensive "culinary journey across India" featuring dishes from various regions.
A Culinary Tour: Dishes on the Menu
The elaborate BRICS dinner, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, featured a diverse spread. Starters included khandvi mille, a steamed gram-flour roll from Gujarat, and khumb galouti, pan-grilled mushroom kebabs inspired by Awadhi cuisine, served with mint pearls.
The main course offered a variety of regional specialties such as paneer lababdar, a rich cottage cheese preparation, and gucchi marmik, featuring Himalayan morel mushrooms with tender asparagus. Other dishes included carrot bean poriyal from South India, thakkali belle saaru (a light lentil broth), millet pulao, beetroot raita, and an assortment of Indian breads.
Dessert options provided a sweet conclusion with Old Delhi fruit cream with jalebi and shahtoot phirni, a mulberry-infused rice pudding.
Political Reactions to the Menu
The decision to serve an exclusively vegetarian meal drew criticism from the opposition, particularly the Congress party. Critics argued that the ruling party was imposing its "deeply problematic" dietary preferences on global dignitaries.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi weighed in on the debate, pointing out that approximately 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. He highlighted the deliciousness of Indian non-vegetarian cuisine and humorously referenced his sister's chole bhature, without directly mentioning the BRICS dinner.