What’s cooking for BRICS leaders? Delhi hotels unveil special menus

As world leaders arrive in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, some of the capital’s luxury hotels are preparing more than just high-security accommodation. The hotels hosting delegates have also put together special culinary offerings aimed at showcasing India’s diverse food traditions.

The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to welcome leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE, along with representatives of partner countries.

Three of Delhi's prominent luxury hotels—The Taj Mahal, The Leela Palace New Delhi and The LaLiT New Delhi—have prepared special culinary offerings for the visiting delegations.

Taj Mahal brings regional Indian flavours

At The Taj Mahal, New Delhi, the culinary offering is centred around 'Tradition to Table'—a collection of recipes curated by Taj chefs and inspired by their earliest culinary mentors, their mothers.

The hotel has also prepared traditional savoury bites representing six regions of India. The selection includes spiced walnuts from Kashmir, Purani Dilli Maida Kaju, Maharashtra's Bhakarwadi, Rajasthan's Mini Kachori, Bengal's Kucho Nimki and Tamil Nadu's Murukku.

Anmol Ahluwalia, Area Director - Operations and General Manager, Taj Mahal, New Delhi told NDTV, "For nearly five decades, Taj Mahal, New Delhi has had the honour of welcoming heads of state, diplomats, and distinguished leaders from across the world. Reflecting the diversity and richness of India's culinary legacy, this memento embodies the warmth, care, and spirit of connection that define the Taj experience."

The Leela puts a modern spin on Indian ingredients

The Leela Palace New Delhi has created an edible handcrafted lotus as part of its welcome for BRICS delegates. Made with rose, saffron and cardamom and paired with indigenous Indian fruits, the creation draws on the significance of the lotus as India's national flower and its connection to the BRICS India 2026 identity.

Karan Thakur, Executive Chef, The Leela Palace New Delhi, told NDTV, "The culinary curation continues through specially crafted creations by the culinary team at the Palace, whose dishes are fondly enjoyed by our guests and have been particularly appreciated by visiting delegations. This is complemented by Aujasya by The Leela millet cookies, handmade granola bars and wellness infusions, bringing together the richness of Indian ingredients with a more contemporary approach to nourishment.

Each element has been thoughtfully considered to offer our international guests a sense of India that is refined, distinctive and deeply rooted in The Leela's philosophy of hospitality," he added.

The LaLiT highlights India's regional cuisine

The LaLiT New Delhi has opted for a menu that combines Indian regional favourites with selected international influences. It includes refined versions of galouti kebabs and tandoor-baked breads, along with several millet-based dishes.

The menu also features Braised Eggplant with Miso Paste, Simmered Chinese Cabbage and Kidney Bean Sweet Japanese Style with Amber Sauce.

"These thoughtful touches are our way of bringing different culinary influences to one table while staying rooted in the warmth and character of Indian hospitality. The menu has been a true passion project for our culinary team and reflects what The LaLiT stands for hospitality that is warm, dignified and unmistakably Indian," Vishal Sharma, General Manager, The LaLiT New Delhi, told NDTV.