Stepping into the luxurious Taj London’s TH@51, I knew I was in for a treat. But tonight, my culinary compass longed for more than just great Indian food. I’m looking for a delightful clash of cultures, a symphony of Indian spices re-imagined for British tastes. Here, amid Taj’s rich history, I embarked on a journey of fusion—a chance to witness the magic that unfolds when East meets West on a plate.
Taj London:
Majestic London St. Located in the heart of Jamestown, Taj London is a haven of Indian hospitality infused with British grandeur. Its imposing Victorian facade, a testament to the city’s architectural heritage, hints at the luxurious interior that awaits within. Upon entering through the grand entrance, you are greeted by a dazzling foyer with kaleidoscopic marble floors, soaring ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers and plush armchairs that invite respite. A subtle blend of Indian spices and the hum of gentle conversation buzz in the air, whetting your appetite for the culinary adventure ahead.
TH@51:
A unique culinary playground awaits within the walls of Taj London: TH@51. This is not your typical Indian restaurant. TH@51 is a lively space where traditions are given a playful twist. Imagine sunshine in natural light, perfect for enjoying breakfast or a leisurely lunch. In the evening, the atmosphere changes to refined elegance, perfect for a refined dinner. The menu here is a symphony of global flavours with Indian spices at the centre. But these fiery notes are masterfully intertwined with elements of British taste, creating an innovative and adventurous culinary experience. From exciting shows to the living theatre of an open kitchen, TH@51 promises a feast for all the senses, a place where East meets West on the plate in a truly unforgettable way.
My Drinks:
Passion Fruit Martini
To taste the exciting fusion of flavours from my Indian and British meal, I opted for a refreshing passion fruit martini. This tropical delicacy was a perfect contrast to the rich spices and salty notes. The vibrant orange drink, likely made from vodka, passion fruit puree, a splash of lime juice and possibly simple syrup, promised a sweet and tangy explosion. With each sip, I imagined the unique taste of passion fruit—a juicy mix of sweet, tangy and a little floral. It was a great way to cleanse the palate between courses and experience summer refreshment in the middle of a unique culinary journey.
Espresso Martini
After a refreshing passion fruit martini, you chose a classic with a kick: the espresso martini. This potent mix of vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso promised a delicious paradox. A frothy, chilled drink would have a smooth and creamy texture, followed by a delightful aroma of coffee and warming espresso. It was the perfect way to end the meal – a delightful combination of sweet, boozy and caffeinated energy, a fitting end to a journey that dances between the fiery flavors of India and the comforting notes of Britain..
The Food:
Chicken Tikka
While TH@51 offers a range of innovative Indian and British fusion dishes, it looks like you’ve opted for a comfort classic: chicken tikka. At Taj London, even a seemingly familiar dish like chicken tikka can contain a surprise. Maybe their version has a unique marinade with a bit of a British twist, with traditional yoghurt and tandoori spices. A perfectly marinated chicken would likely have been cooked in a tandoori oven, with a charred exterior yielding juicy and flavorful meat. This seemingly simple dish becomes a high-class dish when experienced in the opulent surroundings of the hotel, a testament to the restaurant’s ability to respect tradition while also offering a little unexpected pleasure.
Tree House Mushroom
This dish, TH@51, is their creative interpretation of coral sponges. Imagine a visually stunning creation—perhaps a medley of textures and flavours designed to tempt the British palate. This inventive dish, which draws inspiration from the distinctive shape of the tree house mushroom, would be a great illustration of TH@51’s playful yet sophisticated approach to the evolution of Indo-British fusion and would be a pleasant surprise for even the most discriminating British palate. As for me, a spray of salt and pepper did the job!
Kale Burrata Chaat
Then, perusing TH@51’s fusion menu, came a dish that beautifully bridged the gap between Indian and British sensibilities: Kale Burrata with Spicy. Imagine brightly coloured kale that can be sautéed or sauteed with Indian spices like cumin or coriander to create a warm, aromatic base. Added to that is the luxurious taste of creamy burrata cheese, the richness of which is a lovely contrast to the earthy kale. A slightly spicy element could be some fragrant spice mix, such as garam masala, or perhaps some hot chutney on the side, allowing you to adjust the level of heat to suit your British taste. This innovative creation perfectly embodied the TH@51 philosophy: the familiar comfort of British cheese combined with the exciting flavours of subtle Indian spices, all combined into a visually stunning and texturally delightful dish.
Paneer Wellington
Then, perusing TH@51’s fusion menu, came a dish that beautifully bridged the gap between Indian and British sensibilities: Kale Burrata with Spicy. Imagine brightly coloured kale that can be sautéed or sauteed with Indian spices like cumin or coriander to create a warm, aromatic base. Added to that is the luxurious taste of creamy burrata cheese, the richness of which is a lovely contrast to the earthy kale. A slightly spicy element could be some fragrant spice mix, such as garam masala, or perhaps some hot chutney on the side, allowing you to adjust the level of heat to suit your British taste. This innovative creation perfectly embodied the TH@51 philosophy: the familiar comfort of British cheese combined with the exciting flavours of Indian spices, all combined into a visually stunning and texturally delightful dish.
Desserts:
Gulab Jamun Cheesecake
For dessert at TH@51, you took a truly delightful journey combining flavours with the gulab jamun cheesecake. Imagine a creamy cheesecake with a touch of cardamom or rosewater for a subtle Indian touch. Inside that cosy layer may be a surprise—warm, gooey gulab jamuns, those pillowy balls of milk solids drenched in fragrant syrup. The cheesecake could be topped with crushed pistachios and rose petals, which add a vibrant visual element and delightful textural contrast. The comforting familiarity of cheesecake and the exotic sweetness of gulab jamuns in this dessert were the ideal marriage of tradition and innovation, which is a true testament to TH@51’s fun and delectable approach to Indian-British fusion.
Masala Chai Creme Brulee
TH@51’s take on the classic crème brûlée is another great example of their fusion mastery—the masala Chai crème brûlée. Imagine a smooth and creamy custard filled with the warm, comforting flavours of masala chai. Cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and cloves dance on your palate, creating a familiar yet invigorating warmth. This decadent custard would be encased in a caramelised sugar crust and its satisfying crack would announce a rich and delicious reward. A sprinkling of ground cardamom or a drizzle of honey can add the final touch of Indian flavour, turning this dessert into a symphony of textures and flavours that perfectly captures the essence of East and West on the plate.
All in all, dinner at TH@51 was a truly delightful introduction to Indian flavours re-imagined for the British palate. The fusion creations were innovative and beautifully presented, offering a delicious dance between familiar comfort and exciting new experiences. Each dish surprised and impressed with the perfect balance of spices for British sensibility. While those looking for an explosion of Indian flavours may tone down the spice level a bit, there’s no doubt that TH@51 offers a unique and delicious experience, perfect for those with more adventurous palates but who appreciate subtle Indian influences.
