The Oberoi, New Delhi is an iconic hotel in honor of its place in
the history of the city and in the memory of all who have experienced its
unparalleled hospitality. The hotel enjoys a deep emotional
connect with locals and visitors alike and has witnessed many generations of
families sharing cherished moments decade after decade.
It opened its doors in the year 1965 and has enjoyed unwavering
patronage ever since. Recognized as a pioneer in luxury hospitality, this ICON
of New Delhi has played host to the world’s elite – from presidents to premiers;
CEO’s to celebrities and continues to do so.
|
Chef Jia Yi Hu |
TAIPAN
"Taipan" in Chinese stands for Supreme Leader
in a company or an army, a fleet or a nation or A powerful businessman in China.......
A large portrait of a Chinese warrior made of rice paper,
at the entrance of this iconic restaurant welcomes us. It’s located on the
rooftop facing the Delhi Golf Club and the Lutyens Delhi which gives an all round
view of our green Delhi. Taipan has been in existence since last 30 years and is
considered to be a benchmark in Chinese cuisine. The Interiors are soothing and
have an old world charm attached to them The Mahogany wood furniture creates an
ambiance par excellence.
A new resident Chef has been called from China, named
Chef Jia Yi Hu. Chef Hu has had a very diverse career spanning over a decade in
top restaurants in Beijing. Popularly known as the Dimsum King, Chef Hu, is a
master at innovation and can make over 300 varieties of dimsums. Always keen to
extend his repertoire, the chef is also a skilled master of hand pulled
noodles! He has even won a Gold Medal in a Dimsum competition in China organized
by China Hotel Association in 2008.
|
Dimsums |
We had a chance to savour his lovely delights the other
day in the form of Dimsum lunch at the most iconic, Taipan. Chef personally came to meet and greet us,
though language is an issue but his gestures and actions showed how passionate and
excited he was to serve us.
We started
with the nibbles, the rice crunchies. The first Dimsums to be served were the spiced mushroom and coriander dumpling, Spinach,
water chestnut and black bean dumpling, Spiced fish and tofu
dumpling , Pan fried chicken and chive dumpling, Turnip and glass noodle
dumpling to name a few. The different
colors and shapes of Dimsums were really a visual treat for the eyes. Being a
hard core non vegetarian, I was a little skeptical but to my surprise I loved
the vegetarian Dimsums too. The other Dimsums served were not steamed but fried
like the chicken puff and the bar-be-cued pork puff. One of the highlights was
the Duck Roll, a beautifully done crispy Peking duck rolled in rice paper with
other crispy veggies. The Cantonese style of cooking was very much evident in
what was served to us till now, as the flavors were very subtle.
I must
admit everything was outstanding and the taste was nowhere near to what I have
ever tasted till now, very light and subtle on the palate. Chef Hu is a master
in his art. He also served us his signature Dan Dan Noodle Soup which was
awesome and spicy. The contrast in flavors of the Dimsums and the soup was
phenomenal. As they were too subtle and bland with light flavors of chilly and
pepper whereas the soup was full of flavors and bursted with chilly and other
ingredients like crushed peanuts etc showcasing the Schezwan style of cooking. The
hand pulled noodles were so rustic and well made, that it was really a
delightful experience altogether.
|
Desserts |
To sweeten
up our palate, we were served the Chilled mango Pudding with Baked Mango Puff.
A very different dessert than we usually have, it was custardy with lovely
aroma of mango and mildly sweet. The other dessert served was the Raspberry Sorbet
in hand folded waffle cones, too refreshing as if we were having fresh raspberries. Last but not the least Hong Kong Style Egg
Tart, which was tart shells filled with sweetened egg filling…
Taipan with
its amazing views of the city is a must try place for anyone who loves Chinese
food…..Wishing many more quality years to, TAIPAN.....
Reviewed By : Vickrham (vicky) , TWCI - The Writers Collective of India
email id : vickrham.m@gmail.com