Putin treated to grand all-vegetarian state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan; what was on menu?

PTC Web Desk: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day India visit concluded with a grand all-vegetarian state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. The specially curated spread showcased India’s rich culinary geography, served in an elegant traditional thali that brought together flavours from Kashmir to the southern coasts.

A gourmet journey across India

Putin’s dinner began with Murungelai Chaaru, a tangy South Indian rasam, setting the tone for a diverse feast. The appetizer course featured:

Gucchi Doon Chetin – Kashmiri morels stuffed and served with walnut chutney

Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri – pan-grilled black gram kebabs

Vegetable Jhol Momo – Himalayan-style momos paired with spicy chutney

Each dish represented a different culinary tradition, offering the visiting leader a gastronomic tour of India on a single platter.

Flavour-packed vegetarian main course

The main thali presented a rich mix of north and central Indian delicacies, including:

Zafrani Paneer Roll

Paalak Methi Mattar Saag

Tandoori Bharwan Aloo

Achaari Baingan

Yellow Dal Tadka

These were served alongside dry fruit and saffron pulao and an assortment of traditional breads such as Laccha Parantha, Magaz Naan, Satanaj Roti, Missi Roti and Biscuity Roti.

Desserts fit for a state guest

Putin was treated to a trio of Indian desserts: Badam Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi and seasonal fruits. The thali also carried classic accompaniments like Gur Sandesh, Murukku, assorted pickles and fresh salads. A range of freshly pressed juices: pomegranate, orange, carrot, and ginger, completed the menu.

Music that blended two cultures

A performance by the Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band added to the evening’s charm. Their setlist merged Indian classical raagas such as Amritavarshini, Khamaj, Yaman, Shivranjini, Nalinakanthi, and Bhairavi with well-known Russian tunes, including Kalinka and pieces from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. The band also played the Bollywood favourite “Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.”

Addressing the gathering, President Putin emphasised the strength of India–Russia relations, noting that the joint declaration signed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflects deep cooperation in defence, security, energy, trade, education and more. He remarked that both nations are committed to building a “fairer and more just global order,” describing the partnership as one based on the principle of “go together, grow together.”

Putin departed for Moscow shortly after the banquet, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accompanying him to the airport.