The iconic Taj Mahal New Delhi is undergoing one of the most extensive and much-awaited restoration in its four-decade existence

“Remember it was here back in January 1996 that I had proposed marriage and after a long silence, you had replied with a ‘yes’. And today, we celebrate our silver jubilee marriage anniversary at the same place. What a journey it has been!” It was impossible to not overhear the conversation on the table next to us as this salt-peppered hair couple reminisced the bygone days as they celebrated 25 years of marital bliss over a cup of the iconic Cona Coffee at Machan, Taj Mahal New Delhi that mid-October evening. It was after a few years that I was visiting the fabled culinary destination which was launched in 1978 and once showcased the decor of wildlife and was reminiscent of the days when machans were built as lookouts or observation posts in forests. A close friend had told me about it now sporting a new look and I wanted to have a dekho after it reopened later last year. 

THE NEW-LOOK MACHAN

For most Delhiwalas, Machan has been one of the most famous dining destinations that has defined a part of the city’s culinary landscape and woven itself seamlessly into the fabric of its daily life. The reimagined Machan, which appeared in a new avatar in October 2020, celebrates the culmination of the old and the new and a gastronomical confluence of signature favourites as well as unique culinary offerings inspired by the rich heritage of forests in India and around the globe. “Machan’s culinary concept is based on the central theme of high quality of ingredients, flavours and colours of the jungle. Amidst a spectacular ambience and impeccable and warm service, the restaurant promises to delight the gourmands of yesterday, today and tomorrow,” shares Satyajeet Krishnan, Area Director - New Delhi and General Manager, Taj Mahal New Delhi.

Paying ode to flora and fauna and invoking nostalgia by reinterpreting elements of its rich legacy, the refurbished Machan awes patrons with its design and aesthetic sensibilities even though as old-timers still feel the ‘look that was’ should have been retained. Debatable but the fact is that the custom-designed walls recreating scenes of the jungle, with carefully thought-out details that layer the grand Machan experience, depict the beauty of Nature and magnificence of the Indian tiger. 

The stunning cane tree canopies, the series of terracotta animal masks created by local artists, the contemporary lanterns, the raised platform and the banquet seating – all set the scene for a relaxed and social dining experience. But what perhaps take the cake is the staff uniforms here. 

Created by the designer duo from the Pink city of Jaipur, Rohit and Abhishek Kamra (IRIS Corporate Wear), the uniforms sport the jungle colours of green and rust with original bells and whistles. The shirts have multiple front pockets, on the same lines as the jackets on a jungle safari. This adds a dash of casualness to the uniform on one side and can also be used keep stuff on the other. Inspired by the Ranthambore National Park, deer horn embroidery and wearers service pins lend a fresh look to the design.

Krishnan has us know that this has not been the only change at Taj Mahal New Delhi which stands as a tribute to the legendary hospitality and service, complementing the broad leafy boulevards of Delhi’s chief architect Edwin Lutyens. As part of the most-extensive and much-awaited restoration in the hotel’s history, designer David Edward oversaw the new design of the magnificent suites, luxurious rooms and graceful public areas, inspired by the natural beauty of the location and architectural marvels of neighbouring landmarks such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate and Lodhi Garden. 

The re-imagining of the lobby, the suites and rooms with future ready air purification technology at Taj Mahal, New Delhi along with the hotel’s destination restaurant Machan and Emperor Lounge further reinforce the hotel as a landmark destination in India’s capital – a hotel that defines the destination. “Central to The Taj Mahal Hotel’s prominence is its old-world grace and charm, blended effortlessly with contemporary comforts and amenities. Its close proximity to the seat of Government, the city’s diplomatic corps, commercial hubs, cultural centres and heritage wonders has furthered the hotel’s reputation as the epicentre of the Capital. All around, grandeur meets elegance – antiques, priceless art and traditional accents and colours are impeccably woven together with contemporary style and modern amenities,” he says.

In an endeavour to offer guests the legendary Taj hospitality and world-class experiences, the hotel is undergoing a journey of transformation. “This phase-wise upgradation aims at creating distinctive luxurious accommodation, larger and with the highest level of design and technology, reimagined culinary offerings and bespoke meeting spaces,” says Krishnan. 

The hotel houses 11 residential floors that feature distinctly transformed rooms, suites and luxury residences. The sixth floor presents 14 residences - a home in the heart of the city. The totally inventory of the hotel post the complete renovation is 230 keys (this is work in progress, pre-renovation inventory was 292 keys). The breakup of 230 keys includes 14 residences; 43 suites (across four categories - Presidential Suite, Grand Luxury Suites, Taj Club Balcony Suites and Taj Club Suites) and 173 rooms (all three categories - Taj Club Premium Rooms, Taj Club Executive Rooms, Luxury and Deluxe Rooms) 

HOME IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL

The hotel, in August 2021, unveiled Luxury Residences, featuring one and two bedroom residences with contemporary facilities and personalised services. Offering stunning views of the Capital’s skyline, these 14 Luxury Residences offer one and two bedroom fully serviced residences featuring living and dining spaces, interconnected suites, walk-in rain showers, spacious wardrobes, fully equipped kitchens with modern conveniences and appliances.

“The Luxury Residences offer sophisticated and attentively designed living facilities, expansive and stylish spaces to unwind or work and are the perfect choice for an extended stay in the city. Taj Mahal, New Delhi has been on a transformational journey and has introduced distinctly designed and novel offerings, including the Luxury Residences. We look forward to welcoming guests to another reimagined experience and a home in the heart of the Capital,” shares Krishnan. He adds the Residences are complemented with services including the concierge, butler service, personalised and flexible gastronomic offerings and culinary consultants, dedicated housekeeping and access to The Taj Club Lounge. 

THE CHAMBERS IN REIMAGINED NEW AVATAR

In March last year, the Taj Mahal, New Delhi unveiled the reimagined and redesigned avatar of the country’s first business club, The Chambers, enjoying illustrious patronage since its inception over four decades ago. “The new Chambers offers classic elegance in a contemporary setting. With the recent launch of The Chambers Global Membership, members can enjoy enhanced privileges and benefits,” informs Krishnan, adding the renovated Chambers with elegant and stylish spaces and a world-class restaurant offering modern gourmet cuisine will give members access to an uber-luxury private and exclusive club at the city’s most distinguished address. 

In its new avatar, its features include Albero, a 60-seater restaurant; seven meeting rooms of which one has been designed by the Italian luxury brand, Stefano Ricci; The Chambers Lounge, a sophisticated bar; and a cigar lounge. Albero and The Chambers Lounge offer Indian and international cuisine, rich in flavours and exquisite in its presentation. The menu features several world classics with modern twists and specially-crafted set menus for power breakfasts or a light, relaxed meal.  “The Chambers, today, has presence across the seven marquee Taj hotels in six cities including Dubai, and will soon have its presence in London and Bengaluru,” puts in Krishnan.

F&B OFFERINGS

Be it the House of Ming, the legendary dining destination for over four decades where tradition meets contemporary flair and elegance blends with expertise and cuisine is in skilful harmony with design or the modern Indian artistic gourmet dining destination, Varq which is symbolic of preciousness, luxury and elegance to the Emperor Lounge that has been the centre of many a business meetings and conferences and offers an eclectic gourmet selection of savouries, desserts, cakes, handcrafted chocolates and gelatos or Rick’s, the urban bar lounge that features retro live entertainment and a fine selection of malts, wines, martinis, innovative cocktails and cuisine, the award-winning legendary and contemporary restaurants pay tribute to authenticity, innovation in cuisine and excellence in service at Taj Mahal New Delhi. 

At the helm of affairs is Director of Culinary Operations Chef Arun Sundararaj. Talking about the offerings at Varq, which has featured among the Top 50 Restaurants in the World – Asia list by S Pellegrino for two consecutive years, Chef Sundararaj says, “The gourmet paradise reflects flavours of India in a contemporary way, while keeping the authenticity alive. While the menu still features its signature delicacies like Palak Patta Chaat and Varqui Crab (a mille feuille of peppered crab and tandoori prawns), it offers fresh flavours with unique pairings of Vedic Tisane’s or Herbal teas. Its new avatar features scrumptious delights like the Jasmine and Gin Prawn Tikka, Flower Chaat, Chicken Potli Masala Broth, the Duck Confit, Varq Garden Green and a lot more. The selection of desserts include the flavours of yoghurt and the trio of Indian ice creams and a host of bread preparations from different flours like the Mandua Rotis, Gluten-free Rotis, Bajra ki Missi and the Khameeri Roti.”

Associated with the Taj Group for close to three decades, Chef Sundararaj shares that the menu at the new-look Machan will be healthier, lighter and global. “National parks and reserves as well as other forest regions in India and across the world are the inspiration behind delicacies on offer like forest king oyster mushrooms, pulled lamb barbacoa soft tacos with charcoal smoked salsa and guacamole, barot trout or riverside cucumber in sweet basil juice or Sariska footprint, the 24-hour soaked pearl millet khichdi, chenopodium and cumin curry with peashoot. The Retro Unchanged theme comprises Machan’s most memorable dishes – The Bull’s Eye, Pao Bhaji, Keema Pav and Mulligatawny Soup. The midnight menu has returned to reposition Machan in its old glorious days,” he says. And how can one even forget the Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Aftab Mahal, Long Champ, Pool Side Lawns or the Terrace Garden that have played host to innumerable high profile events, worldwide meets and conferences. 

However, the fact remains that Taj Mahal New Delhi has been and will forever remain the envy of most other properties in the city due to it being synonymous with grace, grandeur and charm that has effortlessly blended with contemporary comforts and amenities.

This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'F&B SPECIAL ISSUE VOL 7, ISSUE 5'