Loya, Taj Palace, and New Delhi
Loya, in Taj Palace, New Delhi was nothing less than a remarkable place and the dining experience was totally iconic. The drink menu was exceptional, as was the food. But before I even go to that, I will share with you the grandeur of that place! Unlike my Bangalore experience, this one was indoors, and the journey of this epic dining experience starts right from the entrance. The ambience is mesmerising even before you enter the dining area; the white flooring and subtle botanical touch are just fabulous!
The Restaurant
As you enter the restaurant, you cannot remove your eyes from the magnificent surroundings, and the bar has its own waterfall! That is basically the first thing you see when you enter. Now, when it comes to the menu, Loya-Taj Palace, New Delhi, has proved that North Indian traditional food is not just dal makhni with tandoori roti! It is so much more than that. There is food from the foothills of Himachal, tang from Punjab and, not to forget, sweetness from Kashmir. they gave us a tour of ambience. The walls and stones used inside were of specific significance; they were very earthy and very much North Indian. There were traditional North Indian paintings and a very cosy vibe. And as expected, service and hospitality are exceptional—just at the Taj level.
How do they cook the traditional way?
Dhungar: When your food is cooked in this manner, you get a kindled coal fragrance to your buttery umami flavours. Usually, coal is used to add flavour to your feast. Dhungar basically means smoking.
Bhagar: When various spices are bloomed in hot, savoury ghee for tempering and poured right over your food, that is called Bhagar!
Sigdi: Ever felt why food in typical villages is so finger-licking? Well, when your food is cooked over coal, wood or cow dung cakes, you get that earthy gaon ka taste!
Dum: When the food is kept in a pot and sealed tightly on top to be cooked for many hours, that is your dum!
And to maximise taste retention in your mouth, all the food is made in traditional earthen and metal pots. And to see the magic that happens while cooking is right in front of you! Yes, you can have a view of your food making as there is an open kitchen to look at!
On the table:
In any typical north Indian traditional home, you will have your food on earthen or copper plates. A colourful table napkin leaves a feeling of nostalgia from your mummy ke kitchen ka cloth! Though the restaurant had lavish styling, the feel of sitting and having food there was absolutely homely! And after being seated in such a great ambience, I was ready to devour the delectable menu right away!
Starters:
Daal ki Chaat: Crisps made of Gehun (wheat) paratha and besan, served at your table with garlic nibs along with chilli oil. The taste was absolutely refreshing and the garlic added the right amount of punch to the chaat.
Kauni Ke Kabab: A crisp kachori with peas, anardana, and the spicy saunth ki chutney. This one just brings you back to your roots.
Sigdi Macchi: These were the spicy tikkas made with sole river fish made in Wari. Absolutely unforgettable!
Paneer Teen Mirch: A paneer dish that literally melts in your mouth and has that punch of spice from those chilies, capsicum and crushed kali mirch (black pepper). This will definitely open all your senses!
Loya Specials:
Multani Gobhi: The entire cauliflower was marinated in clay and roasted well so that all the florets were cooked and roasted inside. This is definitely the most innovative concept!
Gosht ke lazeez peshiyan: Special cuts of mutton smoked with charcoal and had the tempered taste of stone flower and kebab chini spice.
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Main Course:
Surkh Sabzi, loya kadhi: A mixed vegetable dish served hot with kadhi and the mix of vegetables included Lotus stem, Colocasia, Cauliflower, Carrots, and Beans.
Kathal Baingan Bharta: Even though the combination of brinjal and jackfruit as one dish sounds not so usual, it is a must-try on my list!
Masaledar Bhindi: The regular ladyfinger can be served like this and I was more than just amazed! Stir the fried ladyfinger with brown onions, tomato and cashew paste, along with some ladyfinger crisps.
Dum Nalli: Slow-cooked baby lamb shanks in yoghurt with a stock gravy infused with spices.
Bhaddu Murg: When you have a chicken cooked to the bone in a Bhaddu with some flower spice and a few other spices,.
Dessert:
Nawanshahr Katira Phirni : A finger-licking sweet dish that is a combination of custard phirni, gulab jamun, ice cream, dry fruits and gond katira. The gulab jamun just melts in your mouth and the dry fruits add the right amount of crunch to the dessert.
Badana Pearls: Luxurious sweet pearls served in a wonderful box in which the rabri and saffron foam is placed along with chopped up dry fruits.
Doodh jalebi: Jalebi with dates, pista and kesar milk is something you cannot miss out! Give your dining experience a grand ending with this dish.
Kulfi Popsicle: Kulfis are made in the manner of popsicles and there were so many flavours that I couldn’t resist myself from trying a few!
Mouth freshener:
After all that exciting menu gulped down to the stomach, one must get the palette refreshed. and Taj Loya gives you the opportunity to do it yourself! DIY mouth freshener!
The dining experience at Taj Loya Palace in New Delhi was nothing less than a luxurious ride through the multitudes of tastes, textures and foods. The service, hospitality and regal features never disappoint me. The entire team of Loya- Dilbar Singh Rawat (Head Mixologist), Divya Mamgain (Associate), Gagan Sikka (Sous Chef—creator of the entire dining menu), Dheeraj (Bartender) and Suryadeep (Restaurant Manager) made sure that my time spent here was unforgettable and yes, the hospitality of Taj is unbeatable! If I had to relive this experience again, I would pack my bags for that in a blink! Taj Loya Palace New Delhi is a place where your taste palette can take a ride.
