Title: India’s Hospitality Under Scrutiny as State Banquets Go All-Veg
Date: May 18, 2026
Location: New Delhi
In India, the phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava,” which translates to “The guest is God,” is often cited by leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to showcase the nation’s hospitality. However, recent choices in state banquets are sparking debate about whether India is truly living up to this rich tradition.
On May 6, Vietnamese President To Lam attended a state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace, where he was served a fully vegetarian menu. The meal included dishes like stuffed broccoli and sautéed baby potatoes, which many Indians found unappealing. Social media quickly lit up with jokes and memes poking fun at the bland offerings, with one commenter noting, “If I received this at a friend’s house, I would feel unwelcome.”
While it’s understood that President To Lam didn’t expect gourmet meat dishes, many would assume that a country known for its culinary diversity—featuring iconic dishes like tandoori chicken—would showcase more than just vegetarian food, especially given that more than two-thirds of Indians eat meat.
This focus on vegetarian meals for state guests is becoming more common under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, leading many to feel that the country’s non-vegetarian cuisine is being overlooked. In February, during a visit by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, a grand spread highlighting regional coastal cuisines was served—yet, surprisingly, there was no fish in sight. This raises the question: how can India’s diverse culinary heritage be accurately represented if fish is absent from a coastal menu?
Critics argue that serving only vegetarian meals at such events not only ignores the tastes of international guests but could also leave them dissatisfied. Opposition MP Mahua Moitra claimed that French President Emmanuel Macron, after a vegetarian state banquet in 2023, opted to order bread and cheese from his hotel room due to limited dining options.
A similar issue emerged in Uttar Pradesh, a BJP-led state, where a list of local dishes revealed over 200 vegetarian options but no meat-based choices. This is perplexing given that more than half of the state’s residents enjoy fish, chicken, and other meats, especially in areas celebrated for their meat dishes, like Lucknow. The famed Galouti kebab from Lucknow, renowned for its tenderness, showcases the state’s rich meat heritage—a dish even recognized by UNESCO in 2025.
This ongoing vegetarian trend appears to be tied to the BJP’s political stance. The party has distanced itself from meat in many areas, promoting strict vegetarianism, especially in regions with significant Hindu and Jain populations. Even in schools, some governments run by the BJP have refrained from including eggs in lunches, despite experts advocating for their nutritional benefits. The explanation given by some BJP officials has been perplexing, with one claiming that consuming eggs could lead children to become “cannibals.”
Dr. Pushpesh Pant, a notable Indian food historian, argues that vegetarianism, once an option, is now becoming a mandate under the BJP’s rule. Referring to this movement as the “revenge of the vegetarian,” he highlights bans on meat near religious sites and the increased restrictions surrounding its sale on Hindu festivals. He suggests that there is a broader effort to streamline India’s diverse culinary culture into a single identity that aligns with the BJP’s vision.
Despite these challenges, many Indians continue to embrace their rich food traditions, savoring kebabs and non-vegetarian dishes. In fact, meat consumption is on the rise, and chicken biryani consistently ranks as one of the most-ordered dishes on food delivery apps across the country.
As India navigates its path, it remains to be seen how these culinary and cultural debates will shape the nation’s identity and hospitality in the years to come.
