Nestled within the luxurious Taj Hotel in New Delhi, Loya is a restaurant that revives the iconic culinary traditions of North India while embracing a rich cultural tapestry. Drawing inspiration from the historic spice routes forged by Portuguese explorers, Loya immerses visitors in the grandeur of the 15th and 16th centuries—a time when India stood as a crucial hub connecting merchants from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The restaurant’s name, derived from the Pashtun term meaning “a gathering for a feast,” reflects its aim to create a multi-sensory experience grounded in historical cross-cultural exchanges.
Spanning an expansive area within the Taj, Loya’s layout flows seamlessly, designed to evoke the opulence of a bygone era while offering a modern dining experience. Guests are welcomed by a striking Persian arched doorway, adorned with intricate geometric motifs, setting the tone for the cultural immersion that follows. The restaurant is meticulously divided into distinct spaces—a welcoming lounge area, a refined bar, and the main dining room—each connected by ornate jalis and arches that lend a sense of both openness and intimacy.
At the heart of the bar area, a waterfall cascades gently against a textured stone backdrop, enhancing the ambiance with its soothing sounds. Wooden battens on the ceiling add rhythm to the space, while the fragrance of aromatic spices fills the air. This thoughtful integration of sensory elements—sight, sound, touch, and smell—creates an epicurean experience that transports diners to another time.
The lounge areas are curated with plush seating arrangements, including a central space designed to accommodate various group sizes. The décor features luxurious drapery and awnings, which offer private dining spaces for intimate gatherings. The spatial layout is designed with careful attention to circulation and guest comfort, balancing openness with the sense of exclusivity that Loya aims to provide.
Loya’s design balances the rugged beauty of historical elements with modern sophistication. Stone-clad walls, wooden accents, and fine detailing evoke a sense of heritage, while clean-lined furniture adds a contemporary touch. A curated palette of vibrant colors, inspired by the exotic imports once carried along the spice routes—copper, brass, saffron, red chillies, and green cardamom—enriches the design. Handcrafted finishes such as oversized earthenware pots and vases, along with furniture adorned with copper detailing, recall the craftsmanship of the era.
Suspended durries and copper-accented lamps add depth and character, while murals depicting Mughal merchants in their traditional robes celebrate the historical exchanges that shaped India’s rich cultural heritage. These elements transform Loya into a heritage experience that goes beyond just dining, offering guests a visual and cultural walkthrough.
At its core, Loya celebrates age-old culinary techniques and heirloom ingredients, delivering an experience that blends time, space, and people. By incorporating both historical architectural details and traditional cooking methods, Loya creates a dining experience that is not only visually captivating but also rooted in history and craftsmanship. The result is a journey through undiscovered culinary traditions that bring the grandeur of the past into the present.
Designed by Sarabjit Singh, Loya stands as a testament to architectural excellence and design mastery, offering visitors a unique space where history, culture, and cuisine converge in perfect harmony.
Fact sheet:
Name of Project: Loya at Taj Mahal Palace
Location: Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Principal Designer: Sarabjit Singh
Size: 3100 Sq. Ft.
Photo Credit: Sarabjit Singh
