Restaurant India News: Loya at The Taj Mahal Palace Showcases Forgotten Northern Recipes in Its New Menu

Loya, the signature Indian restaurant at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, has expanded its culinary repertoire with a newly curated menu inspired by extensive research journeys across northern India. The new chapter builds on the restaurant’s focus on regional authenticity, highlighting lesser-known recipes, heirloom cooking techniques, and rare local ingredients.

The updated menu is the result of on-ground exploration and conversations with local communities, focusing on preserving ancestral culinary wisdom while presenting it in a refined format. Each dish reflects regional diversity and the cultural heritage of its origin, drawing from Himalayan villages, Punjabi towns, and northern plains.

From the Himalayan foothills, the Pisyuu Loon Paneer Tikka captures Uttarakhand’s smoky, rustic flavours through the use of hand-pounded Pahadi salts and tandoor-grilled paneer. Himachal Pradesh finds representation in the Raintha, a yogurt-based dish combining spinach, roasted walnuts, and dates, and in the Chha Gosht, a slow-cooked mutton curry inspired by the Gaddi shepherd community. The region’s ceremonial Navrangi Dal, known locally as Reyansh, features nine lentils cooked together to symbolize community and tradition.

Moving toward Punjab, the menu introduces the Loya Dum Murg, a whole marinated chicken slow-roasted within a khasta dough shell, and the Kunni Murg, cooked gently in a sealed clay pot for deep, layered flavours. The Neoja Wadi Pulao, featuring pine nuts and Amritsari wadis, pays tribute to Punjab’s festive culinary heritage.

From India’s coastal belt, the Sunheri Lobster offers a blend of north and west, combining saffron-spiced lobster, prawn pulao, and buransh chutney, reflecting a nuanced approach to coastal-meets-mountain flavours.

Rajesh Wadhwa, Grand Master Chef, Loya, said, “Our menu is the result of many conversations, shared meals, and journeys off the beaten path. At Loya, we’ve always sought to go beyond the familiar—to uncover dishes that are deeply rooted in local culture. These recipes reflect the land and its people, and it’s a privilege to bring them to the table with authenticity and respect.”

With this launch, Loya continues to position itself as a destination for regional Indian dining, showcasing recipes that balance cultural integrity with modern sensibilities. The initiative aligns with the Taj group’s broader focus on curated, research-led culinary experiences that highlight India’s gastronomic diversity.