Page 92 - HH Dec Jan

FOOD & BEVERAGE

striking canopies and colourful awnings
create a sense of nostalgia and are
reminiscent of the erstwhile bustling bazaars
of the north.
The music is a spirited remix of popular folk
music from the Indian subcontinent and is
joyful companion at the table.
According to Chef Rajesh Wadhwa, “Our
search for the authentic and the long-
preserved dishes resulted in a gathering of the
north’s most cherished recipes. They spotlight
the inherent uniqueness and theatrics of
time-honoured cooking techniques of the
north – the drama of ‘dhungar’ or smoking,
the aromatics of ‘baghar’, in which spices are
tempered in hot oil, ‘dum’, the richness of
slow-cooking and the energetic pounding of
spices by hand.”
He adds: “Loya offers the warmth and
comfort of the past intersecting with the
energy of today. This is the cuisine of the
soldiers of the north, the native tribes, the
fierce warriors – rather than the opulence of
their kings. We go back to their culinary
traditions, of processes, of cooking utensils, of
ingredients and bring the everyday of this
extraordinary region.”
I finally had the opportunity to experience the feast at An effort has been made at Loya to preserve
Loya recently, when I was over at the hotel for a cigar timeless techniques, undiscovered culinary
evening. Even though it was a Monday, the restaurant was traditions and heirloom ingredients are
full, with guests waiting at the entrance. proudly showcased.
We were escorted to the table by a smiling young lady Loya serves cuisines from the heart of the
and saw some familiar faces at the bar. It was a warm and northern sub-continent, inspired by ancient
welcoming evening and I was looking forward to cooking techniques.
experiencing what the new outlet had to offer. The menu showcases authentic and long-
In sum, Loya is a grand feast, which leads you on an preserved dishes, made with fresh, seasonal
immersive journey across the vivid north. From the produce, farm-raised organic meats and
foothills of the Himalayas to the flat terrain of Punjab to in-house spice blends, ground in-house. Every
snow-laden Kashmir, Loya is a confluence of flavour, care has been taken to keep this great
passion and influence. culinary culture pristine and authentic.
The design philosophy is inspired by the historical Coming to the most interesting part, from
lifestyle of the northern sub-continent and a glorious past my perspective, the bar is well appointed
– grand arches, exquisite niches, intricate motifs, stone though the cocktails have an edge! ‘Five’ plays
jaalis and more, rendered perfectly with natural and aged an innovative role and all things liquid are
textures and sandy beige backdrops. inspired by the same.
The entrance leads into a lounge, further opening up to According to the head of beverage, “Panjj or
Loya’s distinctive bar courtyard and is accentuated with a paanch, meaning ‘five’, is our take on drinks
stunning waterfall, reminiscent of the natural springs in inspired by the number ‘5’ and its great
the Himalayas. significance across India. From the five rivers
The distinctive furniture has been crafted from of the north to the five senses, the five
logwood with copper embellishments. Vibrant drapes, elements of life, and closer home, in the five
vivid artworks, copper lanterns, intricate filigree ‘jaalis’, tenets of Loya’s cocktail philosophy —

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