Inside Delhi’s new Flying Trunk rooftop bar: cocktails, sushi and 360° views

From The Flying Trunk, I regard astatine Jhandewalan straddling aged and New Delhi: the domes and minarets of the aged metropolis emergence connected 1 side, portion the solid towers of Connaught Place glint connected the other. Lately, though, the presumption has been softened by a lingering haze — pollution, to beryllium precise — that mutes the accustomed vibrancy of the streets below.

The 74-cover barroom astatine Novotel New Delhi City Centre attempts to seizure the diverseness of Asia done playful drinks and food. The cocktail paper highlights elements similar beverage and spice that specify this portion of the world, portion the nutrient paper draws inspiration from immoderate of the busiest thoroughfare markets successful India, Japan, Thailand, and China.

Its sanction evokes the elephant, a awesome of spot and majesty, portion ‘flying’ nods to the rooftop’s elevated vantage. The décor reflects this philosophy: curling unreality motifs hover overhead indoors, balanced by brushed carpets underfoot. The outdoor terrace is each astir drinks with a view, though it’s champion savoured connected days erstwhile the AQI is kinder, letting the skyline radiance through.

Cocktails that instrumentality flight

The paper is divided into aggregate sections, and I statesman with Elephant’s Dream, which highlights the bar’s signature creations. My archetypal portion is Frozen Spring, a striking acquisition some visually and connected the palate. It arrives encased successful a hollowed crystal block, topped with an edible bloom. Floral jasmine notes mingle with flimsy tartness, portion the beverage clarification lends an indulgent finish.

Next comes I Woke Upon Cloud Nine. White rum infused with pandan and condensed beverage is dotted with tiny Thai spice popcorn. The portion balances sweet, creamy, and subtly spiced notes without feeling heavy.

Whisky lovers volition admit the Amber Cask section. I effort The Gilded Route, bourbon with turmeric-honey cordial and apricot. It offers a gentle warmth, though I privation the apricot flavour is somewhat much pronounced. The zesty Merchant’s Pour blends Japanese whisky with an Asian spice syrup, lime, and ginger ale.

Try the tea-infused cocktails from the ‘Chai’ section. There is simply a Kashmiri Kahwa Sour, wherever kahwa-infused gin meets lime and spiced toddy syrup. Ideal for a chilly evening. The Chai Old Fashioned, with bourbon and masala chai syrup, is amazingly creaseless and served with a mini masala mathi, a playful small nibble that complements the drink.

If you bask a spot of heat, the spice-forward City Centre Picante from the ‘Spice’ conception packs a punch. Tequila, agave, coriander, and reddish chilli pickle masala travel unneurotic successful a fiery, citrusy premix that wakes up the palate instantly.

A culinary travel crossed markets

The nutrient menu, Silk, Spice and the Stories Between, crafted by Chef Umesh Singh, draws inspiration from the Xi’an nighttime marketplace successful China, the Amphawa floating marketplace successful Thailand, Nishiki marketplace successful Japan, and Chandni Chowk successful India.

From the Indian subcontinent bazaar section, I effort spicy Tangra Chilli Paneer. The Lahori Seekh Kebab is well-marinated with spices but could beryllium much tender.

The Nishiki market-inspired offerings amusement some accomplishment and flair. There is prawn sushi, dotted with saccharine chilli sauce, crisp murphy garnish, and creamy avocado. The refreshing spicy shiitake cucumber sushi balances the richer dishes connected the menu. The Ebi tempura, portion well-seasoned, falls a interaction abbreviated of the crispness you expect from this classical Japanese thoroughfare food.

Dumplings from the Xi’an marketplace conception are worthy trying. The Thai lamb mentation is delicate and juicy, portion the Tibetan celery chickenhearted dumpling has a clean, earthy flavour that pairs good with its light, chewy wrapper.

The ‘meal successful a bowl’ options are a mixed bag. While the Japanese katsu curry with Koshikari atom is satisfying: with tender chickenhearted and fragrant curry, the Kadhai Gosht with Matar Pulao doesn’t rather deed the mark. The nutrient lacks tenderness, and the flavours bash not meld with the rice, leaving it comparatively flat. 

All successful all, The Flying Trunk delivers respective hits, and though determination are a fewer misses, the acquisition is good worthy the climb.

The Flying Trunk is astatine 1, Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Jhandewalan, New Delhi.  A repast for 2 is priced astatine ₹3,000-plus taxes with alcohol. Open from Monday to Sunday; 5pm to 1am. For reservations, telephone 9266900145/44