Palace Plated Pleasures
This festive season, the sparkle will not be limited to the chandeliers; it will be on the plate.
Why settle for store-bought mithai when you could ring in the season with recipes once fit for kings? Across India, palace hotels are bringing their secret kitchens out of hiding for dinners and brunches.
The Rajbari Bawali, West Bengal
Step into a zamindar’s world at The Rajbari Bawali, where festive spreads revive Bengal’s rich culinary heritage. For the festive season, the focus is on indulgence: kosha mangsho slow-cooked to perfection, luchis that puff like little clouds of gold and decadent mishti for a sweet ending.
The Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj
Nestled in Odisha, The Belgadia Palace is rewriting the festive table with age-old Odia recipes passed down through the Mayurbhanj royal family. Expect flavours rooted in tradition like pakhala bhata, mahura, and delicate sweets crafted with seasonal produce.
Diggi Palace, Jaipur
If Jaipur knows how to do one thing well, it’s hospitality. At Diggi Palace, the New Year brunch wears a decidedly Rajputana crown. Think laal maas with its fiery hue, safed maas for a gentler note, and an array of festive thalis brimming with sweets, savouries, and stories. Diwali dinners here shimmer under courtyards lit with diyas.
Ahilya Fort, Maheshwar
At Ahilya Fort, food takes a spiritual route, blending Maratha influences with temple traditions from Maheshwar. Diwali meals highlight offerings once prepared for deities—simple, soulful dishes elevated with heirloom techniques. For New Year, on the other hand, expect refined spreads that balance austerity with indulgence.
Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal
Jehan Numa Palace in Bhopal celebrates its culinary heritage through recipes preserved over generations by the Begums of Bhopal. Signature dishes like the green, coriander‑scented Bhopali Rezala and the rich Pasande reflect the palace’s royal roots and local nuances. These heritage recipes form part of the palace’s all-day dining and brunch experiences.
