Restaurant India News: LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru Hosts New Chapter of Its Qissa Culinary Series

LOYA, the signature Northern Indian restaurant at Taj West End, Bengaluru, continues to build its reputation as an experiential dining destination with its Qissa series — a curated culinary platform designed to celebrate collaboration, creativity, and heritage through food. The initiative positions LOYA not only as a restaurant but as a space where culture, philosophy, and cuisine intersect.

The latest edition of LOYA Qissa featured a collaborative culinary showcase by Mr. Nitin Kini and Grand Chef Rajesh Wadhwa, Executive Chef at LOYA. The two chefs worked together in the kitchen, creating dishes that reflected both tradition and innovation, highlighting the diverse culinary heritage of Northern India. The event presented a mix of creativity and storytelling, giving guests an opportunity to experience food as a form of cultural expression.

Grand Chef Rajesh Wadhwa said, “Cooking alongside Mr. Nitin Kini was an absolute pleasure. His enthusiasm and creative approach brought a fresh energy to the kitchen, making the cook-off an experience that was both enjoyable and inspiring. Qissa, to me, is about celebrating not just food, but the stories, connections, and emotions that come with it. Each edition gives us an opportunity to engage with people in a way that goes far beyond the plate, and this evening was a true reflection of that spirit.”

Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President and Brand Custodian - Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), added, “Over the past two years, LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru has emerged as a destination of choice for those who appreciate the depth, diversity, and authenticity of Northern cuisine. The Qissa series embodies this spirit where each edition becomes a canvas for collaboration, creativity, and connection. This milestone is a testament to our team’s passion for heritage, our spirit of innovation, and the immense warmth of our guests.”

Since its inception, LOYA Qissa has evolved into a platform that brings together professionals and creators from various fields — including fashion, design, literature, and gastronomy — to share their journeys and creative processes. Beyond the culinary showcases, LOYA has also hosted international bar takeovers, pairing its robust Northern Indian flavours with craft cocktails. This has enabled the restaurant to explore new forms of collaboration within the wider hospitality and beverage landscape.

Adding to its distinctive identity, LOYA remains the only restaurant in India to have a curated music album designed to complement its menu. The music is crafted to match the moods and tones of each course, making it a multi-sensory experience where sound and taste converge.

Set within Taj West End’s heritage architecture, featuring stone-carved interiors, open courtyards, and lush greens, the evening brought together a diverse mix of food enthusiasts, storytellers, and tastemakers. Each edition of Qissa reinforces LOYA’s objective of transforming dining into an immersive narrative — one where every element, from flavour to atmosphere, contributes to a cohesive story.

Through initiatives like Qissa, LOYA continues to strengthen Indian Hotels Company Limited’s vision of creating experiential dining spaces that balance authenticity with innovation, highlighting how restaurants today are evolving beyond food to offer meaningful, memory-led experiences.