Orient Express- Dinning Inside India’s Best Legacy Restaurant
Image Credit: Duck Margaret, fig compote, crispy phyllo

Imagine siting inside the legendary train that travels across Europe having your meal right at the heart of the city, yes that’s what Orient Express - Taj Palace New Delhi a place that needs no introduction. A replica of bogey on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, this award-winning restaurant that’s celebrating 38 years of creating a legacy have been known to serve some of the finest European cuisine. The menu that consists of hors d'oeuvres, entrees, sorbets and desserts sees cuisines of the countries that the train passes through. Travel enthusiast know the fact that the legendary Orient Express name is associated with Paris and Istanbul; the two countries which is also the original end points this longest journeys across borders.

As I stepped inside this legendary bogey the comfortable and uber chic interiors resembling the inside of a luxury train was totally admirable. The warm, cosy and royal ambience feel and servers dressed from another era just elevated the whole dinning experience. As I looked around Orient Express, it gave me all reasons why this iconic place has been the favourites of who’s a who for over 38 years. Running a legacy is no kids play. 

I started my anniversary special menu selection with some Sparkling wine that was paired with mini bread basket where the smallest croissant and the chicken liver pate stole the show. From the d'oeuvres, section I chose the signature Camembert cheese soufflé with paprika sauce. Cheese lovers delight this simple yet flavourful dish was literally the star of the evening. Light and fluffy with just the right sprinkle of freshly crushed black pepper I am yet to get over this divine dish. Next what followed was a small portion of truffle cappuccino. Ahh what a delight in the name of cappuccino perfect for such cold winter evenings. Also, this place is all about sit back and relax and soak into the time machine as each dish gets done to perfection before it gets served. There’s no place for hurry as good things take time. Next, I chose the Duck Margaret, fig compote, crispy phyllo; over Butterflied Champagne prawns, butter garlic sauce. Ending a sweeter note was Baileys Crème Brûlée, I could simply keep having this one. 

Well not to miss on the Amuse-bouche which was very interesting mix of Truffle soup and a sorbet at intervals. To celebrate the 38 years of milestone, the iconic restaurant has curated a limited-edition menu featuring an exquisite selection of nostalgic favourites and Executive Chef Rajesh Wadhwa along with Chef Kshitij has done a fabulous job of keeping the classic intact yet giving them a facelift with some contemporary innovation. Speaking on the iconic restaurant’s momentous anniversary, Nayan Seth, General Manager, Taj Palace, New Delhi said, “The Orient Express represents a dining experience that is truly like no other. A Rocheston Distinguished Restaurant awardee, the 38-year old culinary institution has been one of the capital’s finest and remains synonymous with luxury dining, extraordinary culinary excellence and everlasting memories. As a part of our endeavour to create distinctive experiences, this culinary journey was surely an evening to remember.

Don't miss the celebrated resident pianist Lawrence who was kind enough to play Sway on request and I kid you not it was an absolute delight. This capitals finest European gourmet fare that sees the impeccable traditional white-gloved service and of course never to forget a gastronomic experience is surely one of a kind.