New Delhi: When the heads of state of 13 major economies of the world and 26 prominent global guests will unite in the grand courtyard of Bharat Mandap on 12-13 September, the focus will not only be on bilateral talks and agreements. Apart from formal forums and strict diplomatic protocols, a table will be set where diplomacy will be combined with taste. This is the occasion of the 'Gala Dinner' of the BRICS Summit, where through 'Dinner Diplomacy' the ice of relations between world leaders will melt and a round of informal discussions will take place. Food at international events is not just a matter of taste, but it is also a matter of the country's reputation. Preparations to finalize this royal menu were going on for the last two-three months.

'Delicious' glimpse of India's cultural diversity

This time the menu has been prepared very thoughtfully. The thali will have a confluence of aromatic gravies of North India to rich coconut and tadka dishes of South India.
Kashmir's delicious pulao, Hyderabad's famous veg and non-veg biryani, Deccan flavored tadka and South Indian stews will add to the glory of this international cuisine. Along with this, the sophistication of Lucknowi kebabs and the taste of Tandoori dishes will make the foreign guests feel the taste of every corner of India.

Special recognition to millets

The dominance of Indian coarse grains i.e. 'Shri Anna' will once again be visible on the global stage. Reflecting a balance of health and tradition, dishes made from ragi, jowar and bajra form part of the main menu. Hot Ragi Dosa, Bajra Upma and Millet Pongal will be served on the breakfast table. Natural beverages like traditional buttermilk and chilled coconut water have been provided to keep the guests refreshed. Not only this, crispy Bhakarwadi from Maharashtra, Mini Kachori from Rajasthan, Kucho Nimki from Bengal, Crispy Murukku from Tamil Nadu and Kashmiri Spicy Walnuts have been included in the breakfast and snacks. The most special attraction of this menu is 'Edible Lotus', which is prepared with the combination of rose petals, fragrance of saffron and cardamom.

The royal menu was prepared after months of hard work.

Food at international events is not just a matter of taste, but it is also a matter of the country's reputation. Preparations to finalize this royal menu were going on for the last two-three months. The entire blueprint has been prepared under the supervision of the Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister's Office and a specially constituted Protocol Committee. The personal preferences of each delegate and head of state, their cultural preferences and health allergies were studied in detail. The standards of purity, quality and safety of food have been strictly adhered to, leaving a lasting impression of Indian hospitality without any protocol violation.