Located within the Taj Hotel in New Delhi, Loya is a restaurant reviving North India’s iconic cooking traditions while embracing the rich tapestry of heritage. Steeped in traditions and narratives of the historic spice route forged by the Portuguese explorers, it is designed to immerse visitors in the grandiosity of the 15th and 16th centuries. Loya pays homage to a time when India served as the pivotal point in a vast network of sea routes connecting merchants from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Reflecting the grandeur of this historical era, the restaurant encapsulates the essence of cross-cultural exchange across continents. The name ‘Loya’ is derived from the Pashtun term, which signifies ‘a gathering for a feast’.
Planned across an expansive floor plate within the hotel, the restaurant spans horizontally and maintains a smooth, uninterrupted flow throughout its layout. The entrance to the restaurant is marked by a magnificent Persian arched door embellished with elaborate geometric motifs that emanate an aura of splendour. The layout of the restaurant’s interior is thoughtfully divided into a welcoming waiting area that doubles as a lounge, a refined bar, and a dining space. The open-plan arrangement sets a visual linkage between the spaces by integrating partitions in the form of intricate jalis and punctures. A series of four-centred arches accentuate the spatial transition, functioning as architectural features that frame each area uniquely.
A tranquil waterfall and a textured stone backdrop with openings in the bar area add a touch of luxury to Loya. The ceiling features rhythmic wooden battens that unify the space. The gurgling waterfall soothes the ears, the rugged stone invites touch, Arabic design elements please the eye, and sweet aromas delight the nose, creating a multi-sensory dining experience.
Loya’s lounge areas offer curated seating, with a central space for groups of various sizes. Drapery and awnings create intimate dining corners, balancing privacy with an open, inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant blends historic roots with modern elements, featuring stone-clad walls, wooden accents, and refined details that evoke heritage and grandeur. Natural stone is central to the design, reflecting the rugged beauty of the surrounding landscapes. A vibrant colour palette adds playful contrast, while low-height furniture with vivid upholstery and tufted Persian rugs brings the space together. Copper accents on the furniture give it a foldable appearance, adding to the unique character of the space.
Loya’s design echoes the vibrant bazaars of the past, with drapes, durries, artwork, and awnings adding cultural depth. Colourful durries hanging from the ceiling create a rhythmic effect, acting as modern false ceilings. Modern downlights are paired with copper lamps, blending medieval charm with contemporary style. Details like murals of Mughal merchants in robes celebrate heritage, making the experience feel like a walk through history.
Celebrating forgotten culinary traditions and heirloom ingredients, Loya offers visitors a unique dining experience. By blending time, space, and people, Loya creates an experience that goes beyond just the visual. It revives age-old traditions through both architecture and cooking, offering more than just a meal—it’s an exploration of history, craftsmanship, and design.
