TRAVELLING
TAJ PALACE HOTEL NEW DELHI STAY
THE TAJ PALACE HOTEL DELHI
A legacy hotel that’s been established for over 35 years, the Taj Palace hotel Delhi suits business and leisure travellers alike. My overall Top Tip is to go there hungry, as the food is incredibly good.
Where is the Taj Palace hotel Delhi
The Taj Palace hotel Delhi is located in Chanakya Puri, a leafy, diplomatic enclave about 20 minutes drive away from the Indira Ghandi international airport. Importantly the hotel is also about 20 minutes drive away from some of the best independent shopping Delhi has to offer. Think Connaught Place, Shahpur Jat, Khan Market and the cool Santushti complex.
The Big Breakfast
Plenty of delicious dining experiences to be had at the Taj Palace hotel Delhi. It depends what cuisine you’re in the mood for. But the best meal of the day and one of the highlights of our trip had to be breakfast in the Capital Kitchen, the hotel coffee shop.
Allergic to dairy? No problem, you’ll find almond, soya and lactose free alternatives, but that would mean you’d miss out on the gorgeous, fresh hung yoghurt, obligatory with a hot, stuffed parantha (Indian layerd bread definitely not gluten free) or some succulent, freshly cut fruit.
There are plenty of gluten free options though, the Western kind so granola, muesli and porridge from Bobs Red Mill but also the natural, original Eastern kind. Dosas, Idlis and moong daal chillas are all also gluten free and made fresh to order.
Chole are also gluten free, but maybe skip the deep fried bhatura, if you can!
More Food and Drink
We liked the fact the Taj takes seasonality into account as well; it was winter in Delhi when we visited so we got fresh methi and pea paranthas as fresh methi (fenugreek leaves) have a short winter season.
We also tried the Spicy Duck Chinese restaurant and would highly recommend it. I stayed in the area many years ago as a child and this restaurant used to be called Tea House of the August Moon!
Try the duck, but let them know if you’d like to assemble your own duck pancakes! Their chilli oil isn’t the same as in London, but there is wide variety of sauces to accompany your meal.
If it’s authentic Northern Indian cuisine you’re after, and why not, you are in Delhi, then head straight to Masala Art, also on the ground floor of the Taj Palace hotel. Expect high quality, well prepared, traditional North Indian food. We loved our Seekh kebabs, tadka daal and the onion kulchas are a must try.
We were treated to a taste of something called Sabz Ka Halwa, literally a soft, desserty type halwa made with vegetables. It was totally delicious blend of sweetness and a bit too easy to eat!
There is another award winning restaurant serving French/English cuisine, The Orient Express but we didn’t have time to try it on this visit. It did look quite formal though.
Do make some time to have a drink or cocktail at the Blue Bar one evening though, great views and cool vibes in this small, but atmospheric bar adjacent to the Spicy Duck restaurant.
Shops open l a t e in the morning in Delhi, between 10 and 11 am, so take your time getting up, use the spa or have a swim and then tuck in to a long, hearty breakfast and skip lunch.
The Suite Life
We experienced a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom suite with a large sitting room and dining area, a small study and outdoor garden accessed directly from the sitting room. This was the Garden Presidential Suite located on the first floor of the hotel. It’s luxurious and spacious for sure but you couldn’t say that this could be any suite arrangement in any city in the world as the décor and artefacts completely reflect the legacy and heritage elements of the hotel.
The arrangement would be perfect for families or a group of friends who’d also like to maybe invite some family or more friends for an informal private gathering, the terrace just adds to the appeal. So try it for a special occasion, I would definitely go back with my family or a group of friends.
The Club Lounge
Certain rooms allow access to the Club facilities on the 7th floor of the hotel. Light refreshments are available 24 hours, but you could have your breakfast here, not as elaborate as downstairs, but still comprehensive. They also have a high tea service offering Indian tea time savouries and sandwiches. This is followed soon after by an evening drinks and snacks service.
Try the Sula Tropicale Brut sparkling wine. I liked this version of Indian rosé prosecco. This is a great place for a quiet chat or informal, small meeting.
Meet me at the Taj Palace Delhi
Get a feel of the vibe of this place.
Staying Fit
If you have time to fit in some fitness then do so! You can eat more. Try the heated pool, spa and the gym, all accessible via the mezzanine floor in all the lifts. Your author didn’t try the facilities on this trip.
TOP TIPS for visiting Delhi
Shops open late in the morning in Delhi, we’re talking between 10 and 11 am, so take your time getting up, use the spa or have a swim and then tuck in to a long, hearty breakfast and skip lunch.
Wear walking shoes or trainers for shopping about as pavements can be uneven and you may have to go up some narrow staircases to access some places, especially in Shahpur Jat and Khan Market.
Employ a reliable driver and car to stay with you throughout your trip, it’ll make your life so much easier.
Buy a local phone chip from the airport with a data package, talk time is way cheaper than Dubai.
Diet before you arrive as you’ll be eating way more than at home! Eat like a King at the Taj Palace hotel in Delhi.
NEXT POST COMING SOON ON THE BLOG
Shopping in Delhi
MOTIVATION
Go somewhere new every year, it’ll broaden your horizons and you’ll definitely see things differently when you come back home. Travel makes you richer.
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