Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (7/10)
In this blog, we will review the restaurant, Loya, situated in New Delhi.
Introduction
Nestled within the grandeur of a 5-star property (Hotel Taj Palace), Loya exudes royal charm right from the entrance. After ascending a grand staircase and passing through a marble-clad lobby, you’re led to this culinary destination. Loya prides itself on preserving northern Indian cuisine, presented in a traditional dining setup that mirrors the region’s rich heritage.
The Experience
We initially intended to dine at the Orient Express, a fine dining restaurant designed like a luxury train compartment, however, it was fully booked. We then turned to Loya, conveniently located across the lobby. Though this restaurant was also packed, we were assured of a table within a few minutes and were warmly welcomed into Loya’s stunning traditional setting.
The interiors were a feast for the eyes—grand paintings, exquisite artifacts, and a vibrant color palette of red, orange, cream, blue, and green. This theme extended seamlessly from the table linens to the carpets. The restaurant features an open kitchen where diners can watch culinary artistry in action, alongside a well-equipped bar at the center.
The Ambience
While we waited for our table (about 15 minutes), we were offered Kahwa, a traditional Kashmiri tea. The staff engaged us with stories about Loya’s inspirations, their attire, and the regions they represented—Peshawar, Himachal, Rajasthan, Patiala, and more. Their graceful coordination and knowledge added a personal touch to the experience.
The bar setup was another standout feature. With stone walls and a bar top resembling a scene straight out of the desert, it exuded a rugged, yet elegant charm. The fabric shades above, paired with camping-style chairs, added to the setup’s nomadic vibe, transporting you to a wanderer’s oasis. The music pretty much complimented the theme & vibe with a club feel to its bollywoodish numbers.
The drinks menu also deserves special mention—it was beautifully designed with handmade illustrations, vividly visualizing the creator’s inspiration. This thoughtful, personalized touch elevated the experience further.
Once seated, we curiously examined a brass ‘paraat’ (a large flat plate with edges) & a ‘Chanani’ (sieve) placed at our table. Our host explained that it’s placed just to aquaint us with the traditional north indian cookware. We then sought the host’s recommendations, opting for dishes they considered specialties.
Here’s what we tried:
The Menu
Bhaddu Murgh: A gravy-based chicken dish served in copperware. While it was flavorful, it lacked the uniqueness to be deemed a “specialty.”
Kathal Baingan Bharta: A combination of jackfruit and brinjal. Similar to the chicken dish, it was enjoyable but fell short of being memorable.
Breads: We tried the Gola Paratha and Malera Roti, which paired well with the curries.
Badana Pearls: The dessert stole the show. Presented in a royal jewelry box, the fresh flavors and nostalgic boondi pearls in dollops of rabri were delightful. It was a popular choice among diners, and we highly recommend it.
The Final Touch
Before leaving, we were presented with a miniature trunk containing condiments—a thoughtful and charming gesture. The trunk itself was a lovely keepsake.
During dinner the lamp on our table suddenly went off emitting black smoke. The host noticed it and soon removed it. They should device the lamp or attend to it in a way that this does not happen.
The dinner concluded in a uniquely traditional way, allowing us to create our own mouth freshener & digestive mix. A variety of dry ingredients was provided, and diners could take what they needed. We could muddle & crush these using a small mortar and pestle and enjoy it, much like the traditional times when such tools were regularly used for these purposes. The flavors were vibrant and refreshing, perfectly rounding off the meal with an authentic touch.
Our Verdict
The ambiance, hospitality, and presentation at Loya are exceptional, making it a delightful spot for a casual dinner. However, the food, while tasty, lacked the “wow factor” that would inspire us to return soon. Perhaps our host’s recommendations didn’t align with our expectations, so we might revisit to explore the menu more thoroughly.
For now, Loya is a great choice for those seeking a refined yet casual dining experience, but it may not leave a lasting impression on food enthusiasts looking for bold, standout flavors.