New Delhi: A dinner menu from an Indian Air Force (IAF) event has taken social media by storm after it featured dishes named after Pakistani cities targeted during Operation Sindoor and Operation Bandar (Balakot airstrike). Shared by BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, the creative culinary tribute sparked widespread appreciation and patriotic pride online.
The image of the menu, titled “93 Years of IAF: Infallible, Impervious and Precise,” quickly went viral on social media platforms. The theme celebrated the IAF’s operational precision and courage, cleverly blending humour and homage to India’s military achievements.
Dishes inspired by IAF operations
The menu showcased a variety of dishes bearing names of Pakistani locations that were central to India’s cross-border operations. Among the highlights were “Rawalpindi Chicken Tikka Masala,” “Rafiqui Rhara Mutton,” “Bholari Paneer Methi Malai,” “Sukkur Sham Savera Kofta,” “Sargodha Dal Makhani,” “Jacobabad Mewa Pulao,” and “Bahawalpur Naan.”
For dessert, the IAF chefs offered “Balakot Tiramisu,” “Muzaffarabad Kulfi Faluda,” and “Muridke Meetha Pan.” The names carried symbolic resonance, referring to sites associated with India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“From serving dishes to serving justice”
Sharing the image on X (formerly Twitter), Shehzad Poonawalla wrote:
“From serving dishes to serving justice. Now even the menu of IAF conveys a new normal. Gone are the days when 26/11 took place and no action was allowed as per P. Chidambaram by foreign powers…”
Poonawalla’s post resonated with thousands of users who praised the IAF’s creativity and confidence. The sentiment across social media reflected national pride, with many netizens calling the menu a “masterstroke of symbolism.”
The event, marking 93 years of the Indian Air Force, was held to honour the service’s legacy of courage, technological excellence, and commitment to national security.
Operation Sindoor: India’s decisive strikes
The themed menu drew direct inspiration from Operation Sindoor, an operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist hubs across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
According to official reports, the strikes hit key areas in Rawalakot, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bhimber, and Neelum Valley, neutralising multiple terror camps. The operation was launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, where 26 civilians were killed in Jammu and Kashmir.
The four-day-long confrontation between India and Pakistan ended on May 10, after both sides reached an understanding to halt further military engagement.
Operation Bandar: The 2019 Balakot airstrike
The IAF’s tribute menu also referenced Operation Bandar, the codename for the Balakot airstrike of February 2019, which followed the Pulwama terror attack. The Pulwama incident, one of India’s deadliest terror strikes, killed 40 CRPF personnel when a suicide bomber targeted their convoy.
In response, the IAF carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistani territory. The mission marked a historic shift in India’s counter-terror policy, demonstrating its willingness to take proactive measures against cross-border terrorism.
The strikes were executed with surgical precision by Mirage-2000 fighter jets, signalling a bold new era in India’s strategic response capabilities.
Symbolism behind the viral menu
The menu’s creative concept—naming food items after sites of India’s military victories—was viewed as a light-hearted yet powerful reminder of the IAF’s operational excellence. It combined culinary artistry with patriotic symbolism, reflecting both humour and pride.
IAF personnel and veterans praised the concept as a tribute to the force’s legacy, while civilians saw it as a morale booster that showcased India’s evolving confidence on the global stage.
Social media reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with users calling it a “perfect blend of wit and warrior spirit.” Some even joked that the menu “served Pakistan cold,” echoing the sentiment that India’s military has become assertive and precise in defending its sovereignty.
A creative celebration of IAF’s legacy
The event commemorating 93 years of the Indian Air Force highlighted the service’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1932 to becoming one of the most technologically advanced air forces in the world. The themed dinner was not only a tribute to the IAF’s achievements but also a symbolic reflection of India’s military confidence.
From historic operations like the Balakot airstrike to contemporary missions like Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force continues to project strength, precision, and professionalism—values that the event sought to celebrate in a unique and memorable way.
Conclusion
What began as a themed dinner has turned into a national talking point, reflecting the pride and admiration Indians hold for their armed forces. By merging culinary creativity with historical significance, the IAF showcased not just its operational brilliance but also its ability to inspire through innovation.
As the viral menu continues to make waves online, it stands as a reminder that the Indian Air Force—“Infallible, Impervious and Precise”—continues to command both respect and affection from a proud nation.