First Class Journey Through India

Pass through Mughal style architecture; under the gold domed roof, past elephants, water bodies and into the refreshing ambience of the Bellevue Restaurant at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Naturally lit through large windows, sparkling with spotlights and bespoke glass panels, Bellevue is furnished with long sofa seating and intimate tables upholstered in vibrant turquoise leather. Vintage black and white photographs of Agra's Mughal monuments adorn the walls, while dark sandstone and white marble tile the floors. It is well know that the Mughal emperors were patrons of lavish food. Akbar had very extravagant food habits, Aurangzeb preferred vegetarian cuisine, Babur's kitchen displayed central Asian influences, while Humayun preferred Iranian flavours.

Nestled behind carved wooden door panels, waiting to be discovered, Esphahan is punctuated with Mughal style sandstone and marble stacked pillars; a demure, softly lit Indian speciality restaurant, subtly adorned with hand painted wall frescoes and tasteful Mughal inspired designs. Candles glow upon intimate table arrangements and a traditional musician plays soft, live music upon the stage. The fine dining menu features recipes passed down from the Mughal emperors' kitchens and inspired by their adventures on the Northern frontiers: perfectly marinated kebabs, slow-cooked to enhance subtle flavours, with spices specially blended to suit individual guests' palates, rich Mughal curries and soft Indian flat breads, handmade by the tandoori chefs and served piping hot on traditional, burnished metal plates.

Located on the ground floor of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, The Lounge is a charming space to visit in the early morning, afternoon or late at night. Guests can enjoy picture-perfect moments as they bear witness to the play of light and shadows upon the Taj Mahal at different times of the day, without leaving the comfort of the hotel. The lounge is brightly lit from above by a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from a Mughal style, gold domed ceiling, and is filled with natural light that flows in through large windows that frame the Taj Mahal view. The interior is tastefully decorated with handpicked brass figurines that sit upon ornate gold fretwork shelves, and is bright with sparkling mirrors and vibrant turquoise washed wood.

The Oberoi Amarvilas is home to the only bar in Agra that has uninterrupted Taj Mahal views. From the large windows that naturally light this relaxing space, guests can see the world famous tribute to eternal love in its full splendour. For those interested in an alternate aspect, behind The Bar is an oil canvas depicting the layout of the Taj Mahal. The comprehensive bar menu includes classic Martinis, single malts, American whisky, gins, rums, tequilas, cognacs, champagne cocktails, classic cocktails, Oberoi signature cocktails and mocktails, Oberoi signature iced teas and speciality coffees, all served to perfection from noon until midnight.

Surya Mahal is a Sanskrit name meaning: Sun Palace. Appropriately named, the luxury dining restaurant at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur is bright with natural light that flows in through wall to wall windows. By night, the natural stone courtyard shimmers beneath the phosphorescent moon and the main hall glitters as if filled with stars, under the light of the crystal chandelier. The menu, unmatched by other luxury hotels in Jaipur, includes Western, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, as well as Indian classics. Offering a specially curated wellness menu. Should guests have any extra dietary preferences or requests for a special occasion, the chef will be happy to prepare something that meets their requirements.

From the soft sandstone floors, to the splendid indoor and outdoor fireplaces, ornate Mughal arches and columns, Raj Mahal restaurant at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur emanates grandeur. The menu here is equally exquisite, featuring unusual dishes from the remote corners of India, sometimes deconstructed and reinvented by the extraordinary chefs, Raj Mahal promises a culinary experience unmatched by other restaurants in Jaipur. Dinner tables are set with white linen and red roses inside the main hall, undercover alongside the restaurant and in the courtyard, which is open from late October to March.

Rajwada Library Bar at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur is dominated by a white Italian marble fireplace with fitted leather corner stools. Dark wooden dressers laden with leather bound classics, rich suede ottoman and black leather chairs sit on its dramatic Burmese teak floor. Guests may sip on a glass of wine, classic cocktail or single malt, challenge a friend to a game of chess, backgammon, or take part in the bi-weekly interactive history session under the noble gaze of ancient Maharajas captured in lithographs on the walls. Step inside Rajwada Library Bar at The Oberoi Rajvilas for a cultural experience unique amongst luxury hotels in Jaipur.

Wasabi by Morimoto offers its guests authentic Japanese culinary treasures from the repertoires of Iron Chef Morimoto. The ingredients, including seafood and Wasabi, are specially flown down from Japan. Besides, the ever popular signature dishes like White fish carpaccio, Black cod miso, Wasabi cremebrulee, the already extensive menu keeps expanding and changing.

Golden Dragon at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, is known for its talented chefs and exotic Sichuan and Cantonese preparations. Most notable specialities include the Sunday Dim Sum Brunch buffet with extensive varieties of succulent dim sums, and the live kitchen plating of authentic delicacies like Peking Duck and Beggar’s Chicken.

Masala Kraft is the speciality Indian restaurant. Hand ground spices and traditional recipes spell magic on one’s palate as they blend culinary innovations with traditional methods. Catering to varying palates, Masala Kraft features an array of menus including the Masala Mumbai Tiffin, Wine Paired Menu and the Health Menu. The menu bursts with recipes seasoned with local spices, dry powders accompanied with flavored chutneys and indulgent.

Shamiana, the original coffee shop of the city, offers an all-day dining experience with an international a la carte menu to suit every mood and palate, from breakfast through to dinner. To start the day Shamiana serves an elaborate buffet breakfast daily. The restaurant embraces a refined ease with its relaxed environment, fresh comfort food and service that is sincere and warm. Sumptuous weekend brunches focusing on interactive experiences along with a daily blackboard of curated dishes add to the experience.

Unwind by the pool on cosy rattan furniture at Aquarius, the outdoor restaurant of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Set amidst a lush green landscape, the unique poolside eatery offers all residents dedicated smoking cabanas, enticing light bites and desserts, and an exhaustive range of mocktails and alcoholic beverages.

The Harbour Bar at The Taj Mahal Palace is Mumbai’s first licensed lounge bar. Savour fine malts, exclusive wines, exotic cocktails and delectable global tapas in an intimate setting with cosy seating. Don’t miss From the Harbour since 1933, the signature cocktail from the Prohibition Era.

On the first floor of the Palace Wing, Sea Lounge offers old colonial charm with art deco furniture enhanced by its spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. It is considered to be a city institution for traditional Afternoon Tea featuring an elaborate buffet spread of classic English delicacies and Local Indian favourites complemented with a selection of the world’s finest teas and coffees. Sea Lounge is a favourite for its light lunch and dinner fare and Mumbai street food.

La Patisserie, The Taj Mahal Palace’s famous cake shop and delicatessen, offers delicious desserts, gourmet cold-cuts, tantalising cheeses, freshly baked breads and savoury treats. Browse through an exhaustive selection of soft beverages, beers, sparkling water and handpicked wines, and select an exclusive Taj gift hamper full of delicious goodies.

An extravagant rooftop affair, Souk at The Taj Mahal Palace ushers into the ultimate Middle Eastern experience, complete with authentic, light Eastern Mediterranean dishes, and traditionally brewed teas and coffees. Savour the ambience and exotic panoramic views, and don’t miss the Sunday brunch with champagne.