From edible lotus to galouti kebabs: What The Taj, Leela Palace and Lalit are serving BRICS leaders in Delhi

Regional Bites

The Taj Mahal is serving up a culinary tour of India for visiting delegates, with savoury treats representing six regions, including Maharashtra’s bhakarwadi, Rajasthan’s mini kachori, Bengal’s kucho nimki and Tamil Nadu’s murukku.

Edible Diplomacy

From Kashmiri spiced walnuts and galouti kebabs to a handcrafted lotus flavoured with rose, saffron and cardamom, Delhi’s luxury hotels are turning food into an unexpected part of the BRICS diplomatic welcome.

Luxury Welcome

The Leela Palace has turned India's national flower into an edible centrepiece. Its handcrafted lotus is flavoured with rose, saffron and cardamom and served with indigenous Indian fruits, blending BRICS symbolism with an unusual luxury food experience.

Global Palates

There is no one-size-fits-all BRICS menu. With 11 member countries bringing different food cultures and dietary expectations, The Leela's chefs are assessing dishes for flavour, cultural sensitivity and dietary needs, with menus changing across breakfast, lunch, dinner and receptions. (Representative pic)

Indian Showcase

The Lalit's spread goes well beyond the usual hotel banquet. Galouti kebabs and tandoor-baked breads sit alongside millet-focused dishes and unusual creations such as braised eggplant with miso, Chinese cabbage and a Japanese-style kidney bean dessert.