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Vegetarian Menu at Indian State Banquet for Vietnamese President Sparks Online Reactions

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Vegetarian Menu at Indian State Banquet for Vietnamese President Sparks Online Reactions

Reviewed byAniket Awate· Culture & Digital Media Writer· Edited byOjas Kale
Analysed 8 May 2026·5 sources analysed·Haryana, India·social
Vegetarian Menu at Indian State Banquet for Vietnamese President Sparks Online ReactionsPreviousNext

A state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for Vietnamese President To Lam featured an entirely vegetarian menu highlighting dishes from Haryana and Punjab, curated by chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. The menu sparked widespread social media reactions, including memes and jokes about the absence of non-vegetarian food, given Vietnam's renowned meat cuisine. While some viewed the vegetarian spread as a diplomatic choice, others questioned its appropriateness, reflecting diverse public opinions.

TBN's observations

First-hand measurement across 5 sources

We measured how 5 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 5%, Centre 93%, Right 2%). Overall sentiment is neutral (65/100). Lens Score 28/100 — low public interest.

Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):

  • indiatoday— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • thetelegraph— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • freepressjournal— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • hindustantimes— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • news18— balanced framing, positive sentiment
Political Bias
5%93%2%
Sentiment
65%
AI analysis of 5 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 8 May 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 5 sources
● Left 5%● Center 93%● Right 2%

The articles present a range of perspectives, focusing on cultural and diplomatic aspects without partisan framing. Coverage includes official details about the banquet and public reactions, including humor and critique, without aligning with political agendas. The discussion touches on regional culinary policies but remains centered on the event's social and cultural dimensions.

Sentiment — Neutral (65/100)

The overall tone is mixed, combining neutral reporting of the banquet's menu and details with lighthearted and critical social media responses. While some reactions are humorous or playful, others express mild criticism or surprise, resulting in a balanced sentiment that neither strongly praises nor condemns the event.

How 5 sources covered this story

Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

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SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
indiatodayChef Harpal Sokhi opens up on the viral banquet menu for Vietnam PresidentCenterPositive
thetelegraphDo you hate the Vietnamese President: State banquet menu triggers meme festCenterNeutral
freepressjournalPM Modi Welcomes Vietnam President With Ratnagiri Hapus, Makhana, Malbhog Curated Gifts Details InsideCenterPositive
hindustantimesMithila makhana, Hajipur Malbhog, Ratnagiri mangoes served to President of VietnamCenterPositive
news18Hisar Bajra Khichdi, Ganne De Ras Di Kheer: President Murmu Hosts A North Indian Feast For Vietnam President To LamCenterPositive

Coverage timeline

news18 broke this story on 7 May, 06:06 am. Other outlets followed.

  1. 1
    news187 May, 06:06 am
    Hisar Bajra Khichdi, Ganne De Ras Di Kheer: President Murmu Hosts A North Indian Feast For Vietnam President To Lam
  2. 2
    hindustantimes7 May, 06:57 am
    Mithila makhana, Hajipur Malbhog, Ratnagiri mangoes served to President of Vietnam
  3. 3
    freepressjournal7 May, 08:43 am
    PM Modi Welcomes Vietnam President With Ratnagiri Hapus, Makhana, Malbhog Curated Gifts Details Inside
  4. 4
    thetelegraph7 May, 01:52 pm
    Do you hate the Vietnamese President: State banquet menu triggers meme fest
  5. 5
    indiatoday8 May, 08:52 am
    Chef Harpal Sokhi opens up on the viral banquet menu for Vietnam President

Lens Score breakdown

28/100
Public interest0/100
Coverage gap90%

Well-covered story — coverage matches public importance.

Who's involved

Institutions and figures named across source coverage.

Government
Rashtrapati BhavanGovernment of India

Story context

Category
Social
Location
Haryana, India
Sources analysed
5
Last analysed
8 May 2026
Key entities
VietnamDroupadi MurmuVegetarianismIndiaPearl milletNaanKFCPresident of VietnamInternetKhichdi (dish)PhoBuffet