Gourmet Odyssey: Reliving History at Delhi's Iconic Orient Express
Few names evoke a sense of historical romance quite like the Orient Express. If Agatha Christie's thrilling tales set aboard the Orient Express had you enamoured, prepare to be transported once again, this time through a culinary journey at the renowned Taj Hotel's Orient Express in New Delhi.
You might recall the iconic Orient Express from Agatha Christie's eponymous thriller “The Murder On The Orient Express”. The plot of the novel follows the discovery of a murder aboard the train and its meticulous unravelling by the fictional detective Hercules Poirot.
The opening chapters of the novel take the readers through a stunning description of the regal interiors of the passenger train. The interior was an exquisite blend of 1920s aesthetics with contemporary styles, cementing its place as a jewel of luxury travel, frequented by royalty and the elite.
Flipping Through History
On a bright spring day in June 1883, the first Express d'Orient left Paris for Vienna. Vienna remained the terminus until October 1883, after which the train was officially renamed the Orient Express. Throughout its storied history, the long-distance passenger train services were repeatedly disrupted due to geopolitical upheavals.
The 1930s saw the Orient Express services reaching its zenith in terms of popularity, with three parallel services running alongside each other: the Orient Express, the Simplon Orient Express, and the Arlberg Orient Express, which ran via Zürich and Innsbruck to Budapest, with sleeper cars running onwards to Bucharest and Athens.
During this time, the Orient Express acquired a stellar reputation for its comfort and cuisine. Yet, the turn of the century brought newer modes of transportation, leading to the eventual sunset of the Orient Express services in 2010.
A Culinary Affair in Delhi
Themed around the legendary train, the award-winning Orient Express restaurant serves up the best of European cuisine in a setting similar to teh train’s compartment. The menu consists of hors d'oeuvres, entrees, sorbets, and desserts, and cuisines of the countries that the train passed through.
Orient Express is celebrating its 38th anniversary this December. In honour of this milestone, the iconic restaurant has curated a limited edition menu featuring an extensive selection of nostalgic favourites and timeless signatures along with contemporary renditions. Paired with impeccable traditional white-gloved service, mellifluous tunes by the celebrated resident pianist, and a selection of premium vintages, the Orient Express is a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Delectable Menu
The anniversary special menu features a selection of signatures such as Camembert cheese soufflé, paprika sauce; Duck Margaret, fig compote, crispy phyllo; Butterflied Champagne prawns, butter garlic sauce; Saffron-scented exotic vegetable risotto. Desserts include a plethora of delights like the Red wine poached Fuji apple, cinnamon ice cream, warm chocolate pudding, and liquid chocolate.
The restaurant has been voted as one of the 50 best hotel restaurants in the world. As the live Jazz band strikes a chord next to the extensive bar, one can't help but feel a touch of the Fitzgerald-esque magic in the air.
