Nestled in the heart of central Delhi within Delhi’s most honed hotel Taj Palace, lies a culinary gem, Loya. Taking you on a food odyssey through northern India, the interiors, menu and cocktails champion authentic North Indian culture. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the flat terrain of Punjab, and the snow-laden valleys of Kashmir, Loya transports you to the northern plains with every bite, capturing the culinary essence that defines this region.
Interiors that take you to a bygone era
The first sight of Loya is a visual delight; large double doors greet you with a Mughal-inspired grandeur. The restaurant is divided into two dining sections, with a central bar, and the interiors seamlessly blend earthy tones and wood, juxtaposed with vibrant wall paintings that reflect the region's historical legacies. As you enter, you are welcomed by a stone bar featuring a waterfall on the left, while on the right, the open kitchen offers a view of various traditional cooking techniques like dhungar, baghar, sigdi, and dum. To the left, a seating area is softly illuminated with brass lantern-style ceiling lamps, and the walls are adorned with images of bazaars, turbaned merchants, and medieval architectural elements, creating an ambiance steeped in Indian history.
Interiors at Loya
The design of Loya draws inspiration from the architectural heritage of Northern India, transporting guests to a bygone era. Intricate sandstone masonry, adorned with arches, niches, and meticulously carved floral and geometrical motifs, creates a visual spectacle that pays homage to the region's architectural splendour. Stone jalees with natural and aged textures add depth to the design, while vibrant fabrics and paintings against a sandy beige backdrop evoke a sense of nostalgia. The entire space is illuminated by tastefully placed lights and accompanied by soulful music. The northern theme extends to the uniforms worn by Loya's staff, inspired by traditional attire from Punjab, Kashmir, and the Hindukush. The rich red, navy blue, and emerald green hues of the uniforms harmoniously blend with the interior design, creating a visually cohesive experience.
As you take your seat, you are warmly greeted with brass crockery and a colourful stripped napkin that evokes a quintessential North Indian dining style. The serveware also reflects the traditional utensils used in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir, with each piece carefully custom-made by skilled artisans from Muradabad.
Behind The Bar
Haldi Cocktail, Loya Chai, Loya Mary and other cocktails
The cocktail menu, titled Panjj or Paanch, is inspired by the number five and its significance across India. Each cocktail focuses on indigenous beverages and the botanical abundance of the North, offering a contemporary twist on local spirits. The S.P.I.C.E. collection by Loya is a liquid craft that blends artistry, alchemy, expertise, and indigenous ingredients, with a dash of musical inspiration. Indulge your senses in a symphony of flavours depicted through Scale, Pitch, Instrumentation, Chords, and Expression, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Standouts include the Loya Mary, a clarified take on the classic Bloody Mary with a salt rim made from Indian spices; the Haldi Cocktail, which blends turmeric with gin and jaggery; and Loya Chai, a modern spin on North India's chai culture, made with masala wine. My personal favourite was the Haldi Cocktail, which was refreshing with the right amount of sweetness, without tasting too much of turmeric.
What's on The Menu?
The menu boasts a variety of Northern India’s most cherished recipes, spotlighting the uniqueness and theatrics of time-honoured cooking techniques. The drama of dhungar (smoking), the aromatics of baghar (tempering spices in hot oil), the richness of slow-cooking with dum, and the energetic pounding of spices by hand, are all celebrated here. Sigdi, a cooking style unique to the North, is the chefs' go-to method for a succulent, smoky, and umami-rich feast, an age-old technique involving cooking food over coal, uple (cow dung cakes), and wood bark until it is deliciously tender.
And finally, the use of Earthen & Metal Pots to infuse earthy flavours and colours into each dish. The idea of the cuisine is to replicate the food had by the soldiers of the north, the native tribe and the fierce warriors - rather than the opulence of their kings.
The meal began with the signature Loya Kachori Chaat, a must-have for chaat lovers. Crisp, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy notes, it was generously topped with curd. For non-vegetarians, the Chaapli Parantha with mutton kebab was a standout, offering lip-smacking flavours with hints of clove, cinnamon, and more. And for those craving the classic Amritsari chole, the Bhatwan Karake Kulche is a must-try, featuring chole sandwiched within a flaky pastry shell—perfect for a hearty bite. Now doesn’t that make you want to dig in?Â
A brief interlude from the meal allowed us to experience the Loya Bazaar, held on Sundays. This immersive experience brings together local vendors, reminiscent of marketplaces of yore, offering everything from Muradabad's ceramic crockery to itars and bangles—a classic Punjabi element.
Returning to the main course, our table was a true feast. The Loya Dum Murg, a chicken dish infused with authentic Indian spices, and the Kangra Khodiya Gosht, with mutton so tender it effortlessly fell off the bone, were standout dishes. The Dal Paanch, inspired by the significance of the number five, was a rich and nutritious blend of five slow-cooked lentils, delivering a depth of flavour that was both hearty and satisfying. Among the vegetable dishes, the Kathal Baingan Bharta and the rich Chakki Paneer were exceptional. As for the carbs, the flaky and flavourful Gola Parantha guaranteed we'd be back for more, while the Gucchi Pulao exemplified luxury at its finest.
To finish, we indulged in the beautifully presented Badana Pearls Dessert, featuring rabri, saffron foam, and a sprinkle of almonds and pistachios. The flavour however, was unparalled as compared to the presentation. It was artistically placed within a silver box reminiscent of a bijoux box, when opened the yellow, orange and pastel yellow colour with hints of green were a visually striking contrast.
The meal concluded with a mouth-freshener assortment, presented on a beautiful tray with four ingredients in brass bowls and a stone grinder. Guests can mix and match to create flavours that suit their palate.
TSL Verdict
All in all, a meal at Loya is nothing short of an experience that delights the senses. While the desserts could benefit from a bit more balance, the appetisers were remarkable, and the main course left us smiling. What makes the experience special is the sourcing of ingredients from local regions, with certain dishes' availability depending on seasonality. Extending the concept further, guests are invited to Loya for Loya Qisaa, a unique storytelling experience.
Address: Taj Palace, 2, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi 110021
For Reservations +91-11-66503588 or tphloya.del@tajhotels.com
Timings: Lunch 12:30 to 14:45 | Dinner: 19:00 to 23:45
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