The first time I stepped into ‘The Spice Route’ at The Imperial New Delhi years ago, it felt like stepping into the pages of an ancient travelogue. The aroma of chilli and peanuts wafted languidly, like whispers from a busy port along a forgotten trade route, carrying stories of distant lands. The temple-like murals adorning the walls weren’t just hand-painted; they were alive somehow, imbued with the soul of the artists who spent seven years cloaking this restaurant in history. This was not so much a restaurant as it was a mood, opulent, hushed, and unapologetically timeless. Returning recently for its first menu overhaul in 30 years felt like revisiting a childhood haunt, only to discover that it had grown up, too. There’s a magnetic warmth in the room, a medley of ancient charm and modern hospitality, and I was already hungry for more than just food.
Spice Infused Culinary Odyssey
Once celebrated as a haven for Thai aficionados and those in the know about its sneaky South Indian gems, the refreshed menu takes you on a broader jaunt across South and Southeast Asia. At the helm is Chef Mustian Gadang, an Indonesian culinary maverick with a flair for authentic Asian classics, joined by three regional specialists who bring their unique expertise to the table. The result? A lineup of dishes that feels adventurous but never chaotic. Think Malaysian laksa cosying up to Kerala-style moilee, or a classic Thai green curry flirting with a plate of Indonesian satay. Bonus, the menu caters to all, vegetarians, vegans, and even the gluten-wary are thoughtfully included. Take the Gindara Miso Cod, velvety soft, its caramel glaze teetering between savoury and sweet, a dish so confident, it could elbow Nobu off its perch. The Bak Mie Goreng is the dish that writes its own passport.
The hand-cut egg noodles are flawless, soft yet bouncy, as if cooked by someone who’s memorised their ideal texture. The minced chilli chicken delivers a fiery punch, mellowed only slightly by the nutty crunch of peanuts. Bok choy balances the dish with a fresh, verdant bite. Have I had noodles as good before? Maybe. But this is not just a dish; it’s a crossroads of cuisines. Would I return for it? That’s a resounding ‘yes’— it’s an ode to the spice trail and its flavours, adventurous, bold, and beguiling in every forkful.
Where Flavours And Culture Unite
The drinks menu plays along nicely, with cocktails that mimic the spice trail itself. My lemongrass-infused gin cocktail had just the right sip to counter the creamy Maamisam Saalna and Massaman curries. The show may be about the food, but the setting still commands a curtain call, all carved rosewood and frescoed ceilings. You don’t just dine here; you journey through it. Designed by cultural maestro Rajeev Sethi, its murals, painted with 3,000-year-old vegetable dyes, are as captivating as they are sacred. Feng Shui principles imbue the restaurant with harmony, divided into nine mystical sections that mirror the journey of life. You’ll feel both grounded and transported. Would I return? Always. There’s something thrilling about a restaurant that reinvents itself without losing its soul. Here’s where it gets genius: the menu doesn’t just serve food, it serves an ethos. Borders blur, cultures shine, and inclusion takes centre stage. It’s a bold move, and dare I say, The Imperial just might be writing culinary diplomacy into its menu. The Spice Route is still luxury’s quiet rebel, holding its ground while gently reminding us that it doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Bravo!
In A Snapshot
What is new at The Spice Route, The Imperial New Delhi?
The Spice Route has unveiled its first major menu revamp in 30 years, featuring dishes from South and Southeast Asia like Malaysian laksa, Kerala-style moilee, and Bak Mie Goreng.
Who is leading the kitchen at Spice Route?
Chef Mustian Gadang, an Indonesian culinary expert, heads the refreshed menu, alongside three regional specialists.
What are the must-try dishes at The Spice Route?
Highlights include the Bak Mie Goreng, Gindara Miso Cod, Maamisam Saalna, and Massaman curry.
What makes the restaurant unique apart from its food?
The Spice Route is designed by cultural maestro Rajeev Sethi, with hand-painted murals using 3,000-year-old vegetable dyes, divided into nine sections based on Feng Shui principles.
Is The Spice Route vegetarian and vegan-friendly?
Yes, the new menu includes thoughtfully curated vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
