'Give It A Miss, Go To Karims': Mahua Moitra's 'Advice' For BRICS Leaders Over All Veg Menu At Gala Dinner

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra took a swipe at the all-vegetarian menu served at the gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for BRICS leaders on Saturday, joking that the visiting dignitaries should skip the spread and head to Delhi's iconic Karim's for some kebabs.

Reacting to the menu, Moitra wrote on social media platform X, "Would I be a bad MP if I advised the visiting BRICS leaders to give this menu a miss & get security to nip down to the nearest Karims & bring back some Burrab Kababs…"

The BRICS gala dinner showcased India's diverse culinary traditions, with the menu featuring millets, Himalayan morels, Khandvi, Poriyal, Jalebi and Phirni. However, the entire spread was vegetarian, prompting Moitra's tongue-in-cheek remark about adding some non-vegetarian fare to the diplomatic dinner.

What was on BRICS' gala dinner menu?

The carefully curated menu combined traditional Indian dishes with contemporary presentations, beginning with two innovative starters — Khandvi Mille-Feuille and Khumb Galouti.

The Khandvi Mille-Feuille featured steamed gram-flour rolls tempered with mustard, coconut and curry leaves, served with Kesar mango, micro-greens and yoghurt dressing. The Khumb Galouti consisted of tender pan-grilled mushroom kebabs with mint pearls, served on a bed of sheermal bread.

The main course continued the vegetarian theme with Paneer Lababdar, described as soft cottage cheese cubes simmered in a rich shallot-and-tomato gravy, alongside Gucchi Marmik — Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus gently cooked with saffron, raisins and mamra almonds.

The spread also featured Carrot Bean Poriyal, a South Indian preparation of carrots and green beans tossed in aromatic spices and virgin coconut oil, and Thakkali Belle Saaru, a light lentil broth made with toor dal, fresh tomatoes and curry leaves.

Dessert brought together two distinctly Indian favourites with a contemporary touch. The first was Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi, pairing seasonal fruits and lightly whipped cream with a crispy sweet fritter.

The final dessert, Shahntoot Phirni, was a slow-cooked milk-and-rice pudding topped with sweet mulberries and gold leaf.