As someone who travels frequently for work (which does involve a lot of eating at restaurants and critiquing the food on offer), I’ve come to expect a certain predictability when dining at hotels that primarily serve corporate guests. Buffets are usually functional, rushed affairs–although some can be quite extensive with live counters and dedicated sections with regional pop-ups. The à la carte options, if available, tend to play it safe with easily recognisable, often boring staples like a Butter Chicken or Palak Paneer. Which is why my recent visit to Novotel New Delhi City Centre and its all-day dining restaurant Food Exchange completely caught me off guard—in the best way possible.
Here is a space that understands the modern traveller, catering to a global crowd without losing its sense of place. Yes, the buffets exist, but they’re complemented by a menu so well-curated and carefully executed, it becomes a full-fledged culinary experience. At Food Exchange, I didn’t just eat—I explored. From the robust regional dishes to the elegant international plates and wellness-focused options, every meal told a story. And that, I believe, is what makes this restaurant a true hidden gem in the capital’s hospitality scene.
Lunch That Tells A Story Of Place And Palate
The first thing I noted as I stepped into Food Exchange for lunch is the fact that the restaurant serves buffets at dinner and breakfast, but not during lunch hours due to the lower footfall. I started my culinary journey with their a la carte menu, with the Novotel Caesar Salad featuring prawns—light, fresh, with a generous lacing of parmesan and just the right touch of lemon zest. This was followed by a comforting Truffle Clear Soup with chicken, earthy and refined. Then came one of the showstoppers: Tiger Prawn with Lime and Charred Garlic, paired with creamy mashed potatoes. The prawn was perfectly cooked, its spice rub a nuanced dance between coastal and contemporary. With these global plates, I got a clear sense that when it comes to catering to an international clientele, the restaurant was doing an excellent job.
For the main course, I opted for some of the Indian classics and was served Hyderabadi Dum Gosht with Jaituni Naan and Mutton Biryani—a rich, slow-cooked lamb dish layered with spice and intensity, exactly as you’d expect from an authentic Hyderabad recipe. It was at this moment that I recalled what Chef Umesh Singh, the Executive Chef at Novotel New Delhi City Centre, had shared with me. “We research deeply, tap into regional culinary lineages, and test each dish for balance and scalability. Regional Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse and deep—so, we must ensure that if we’re offering Meen Milagu Curry from Tamil Nadu, it must remind one of home,” he said. That same philosophy was evident in my meal.
Dinner With Surprises, And A Bit Of Street-Style Magic
The evening brought a wholly different mood. The buffet had an incredible chaat section with ingredients set up for everything from North Indian papdi chaats to Bengali jhalmuri. Being able to build your own chaat meant I was able to create a fusion version of phuchka and dahi puri chaat–and this bit of creativity is something many diners like me would appreciate. Then, instead of going ahead with the rest of the buffet–which had a variety of Indian, Indo-Chinese and continental options–I chose once again to try out a few dishes Chef Umesh recommended from the a la carte menu.
First came the New Zealand Lamb Chops, which were juicy and boldly spiced. Served with a side of steamed veggies and mashed potatoes, this dish again highlighted how well done the continental dishes on the menu are. Between bites of Beetroot Tikki with Cheese Centre—a playful vegetarian dish—and a Scampi Pizza that balanced delicate seafood with a well-charred crust, I appreciated just how much range this kitchen had.
The dessert, Rajbhog, was classic and comforting. But what stood out wasn’t just the diversity, it was the seamless stitching together of global technique and Indian soul. “At Food Exchange, we celebrate diversity in every sense,” Chef Umesh had told me. “Our guests can savour their favourite comfort food while discovering hidden gems from across the world.”
A Breakfast Buffet That Respects All Appetites
The next morning, I braced myself for the usual breakfast buffet chaos—but again, Food Exchange surprised me. The fresh cut fruits were chilled just right. The Full English Breakfast was a hearty plate of perfectly poached eggs, sausages, roast tomatoes, and crispy potato wedges. The Quinoa Salad served in a small jar added a burst of brightness, and the Butter Croissants were flaky and surprisingly artisanal. In fact, the baked goodies looked so fresh that I couldn’t help but fill up my plate with doughnuts, danishes and more.
The menu here clearly reflects a commitment to wellness and variety. As Chef Umesh explained, “Modern travellers look for options that align with their health goals—gluten-free, vegan, high-protein, or low-calorie. Our health menu includes everything from quinoa salad and avocado toast to millet risotto and sugar-free panna cotta.” It’s this careful balancing act—between indulgence and intention—that makes Food Exchange stand out.
A Food Exchange Crafted For The Conscious Traveller
According to Sarthak Mathur, F\&B Manager at the hotel, this intentionality isn’t accidental. “Post-pandemic, guests are more mindful about what they eat. They want freshness, transparency, and healthier choices. Our live kitchens help guests see how dishes are prepared. It builds trust,” he shared.
Indeed, Food Exchange seems deeply tuned in to its guests' evolving preferences. The calorie counts and allergen labels on the menu aren’t just perfunctory—they genuinely help diners navigate their choices, whether they’re on a detox or indulging after a long day. “We understand that wellness is deeply personal,” Mathur added. “Guests arrive with varied dietary needs, and our team ensures those requests are part of the dining experience itself.”
What struck me most, however, was the seamless integration of India’s regional cuisines across the menu. From Punjabi Kadhi Pakora and Baati Ka Murgh to the Prawn Gassi with Red Rice Appam, every dish spoke volumes about culinary heritage and local pride. Chef Umesh elaborated, “If someone orders Prawn Gassi, we want them to taste the deep spice notes, the soul of the Konkan coast in every bite.”
He also mentioned sourcing as a key priority in creating authentic flavour profiles across the a la carte menu as well as the buffets. “We partner with local producers across the country—from Malabar black pepper to Mathania chillies. Our seafood comes in fresh from the eastern and western coasts. We even work with boutique dairy farms for A2 milk, K3 eggs and organic ghee.”
The inclusivity of the menu doesn’t end with regional gems, great options for vegetarians or health-conscious guests. It extends thoughtfully to children too. As Mathur pointed out, “It’s not just about smaller portions—it’s about fun presentation and balanced meals. We want children to feel just as excited about dining here as adults.” This was evident in the Kids Corner menu I skimmed—Mac’n’Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, even Baby Hakka Noodles—all served with the same consideration for quality and taste.
What's Next At Food Exchange?
Both Chef Umesh and Mathur hinted at exciting developments in the pipeline. Mathur shared plans for regional food festivals and interactive dining experiences, while Chef Umesh spoke of an upcoming initiative called “Bazaars of Dilli”, celebrating the iconic street foods of Delhi—from kebabs of Jama Masjid to kulfi of Karol Bagh. “This year, we want to bring local stories to the table,” Chef Umesh said. “It’s about more than just food—it’s about community, culture and memory.”
Clearly, Food Exchange at Novotel New Delhi City Centre is more than just another hotel restaurant—it’s a thoughtful, well-executed culinary experience rooted in diversity, wellness, and warmth. Whether you’re a global traveller curious about India’s flavours or a local seeking comfort food with flair, this is a dining destination that exceeds expectations at every turn.
As someone who walked in expecting a functional business lunch and walked out inspired by food stories from across the country, I can confidently say this: at Food Exchange, you don’t just eat—you experience India, one course at a time.