Varq — Restaurant in New Delhi

Visited on July 7th, 2025 – Day 4 in India

We had dinner reservations at Varq, located in the beautiful Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi. The hotel is absolutely stunning with a grand, art-filled lobby and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere. A kind staff member walked us from the lobby down to the restaurant, which had just opened for the evening. We were lucky to get a beautiful table for four right away.

Since there was still some daylight, I stepped outside for a walk and my daughters (ages 5 and 7) followed along, giggling and running around the garden area. The setting was peaceful and lovely.

Back inside, Varq was elegant and calm with soft Indian classical music playing in the background. The ambiance was perfect.

Our kids were in the mood for something familiar, so I spoke to the team lead Yogander Prasad, who graciously arranged chicken nuggets, fish fingers, and French fries for them, served equally between the two. It was such a thoughtful touch.

The menu had three choices: a 3 course tasting menu for ₹5000, a 5 course tasting menu for ₹6000, and à la carte. My husband and I went with the 5 course non vegetarian tasting menu, and it was phenomenal from start to finish:

Amuse bouche – Yogurt Explosion, a playful, tangy burst of flavor to start the meal First appetizer – Varqui Crab, flaky delicately spiced crab layered in crisp pastry, topped with a spicy prawn. It was absolutely delicious Second appetizer – Jasmine and Gin Prawn Tikka, tender and fragrant with a subtle infusion of floral and herbal notes Soup course – Chicken Potli Masala Broth, a rich aromatic chicken broth, light but full of depth, served on its own with no garnish or dumpling Main course – I had the Tirfal Masala River Sole and my husband chose the Dilli 6 Chicken Curry. Both were fantastic. They were served with • Lemon leaf naan (truly unforgettable, I could eat a dozen) • Chana pulao • Dal Methi (smooth, creamy, deeply flavored lentils) • Aloo Perkistani (perfectly spiced sautéed potatoes)

Even though only the adults ordered the tasting menu, the team went out of their way to include the kids by bringing them the amuse bouche and the palate cleanser (Tomato Sorbet)

Our server Ritika was amazing with the kids. When she brought the Tomato Sorbet, she told them it was Aladdin’s Lamp with the smoke rising from the bowl, and that she was the genie. My 7 year old loved it. It was such a magical moment and made her feel so special.

My husband enjoyed two scotches and the kids and I had the Caribbean Sunshine mocktail. It was bright, fruity, and refreshing.

Dessert was a beautifully presented trio • Orange Quinoa Kheer • Jalebi • Crispy Kalakand Each bite was a perfect mix of traditional and modern and a great way to end the meal.

This was more than just dinner. It was an experience. The food was exceptional, the service was thoughtful and warm, and our kids felt just as included as the adults. Huge thanks to Yogander, Ritika, and the entire Varq team for making this such a...

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A Culinary Journey at Varq, Taj Mahal Delhi: A Nine-Course Indian Fine Dining Experience

Last night, we embarked on an unforgettable culinary journey at Varq, where Indian cuisine truly comes alive. This nine-course extravaganza was a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that left us utterly captivated.

The journey began with the innovative Upma Sushi, a delightful fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors. This was followed by the melt-in-your-mouth Gilawat Kebab, a true testament to the art of Indian grilling. The Achari Sole Fish Tikka was a burst of tangy and spicy flavors, leaving a lasting impression.

The main course featured the iconic Dilli 6 Chicken Curry, a rich and flavorful dish that perfectly embodied the soul of Delhi. Accompanying this were the comforting Khameri Roti and the garlicky Garlic Naan, both baked to perfection.

But the culinary adventure didn't stop there. The dessert course was a masterpiece in itself. The Mango Sorbet was a refreshing palate cleanser, while the trio of flavored Jalebi with Rabri was a classic Indian dessert elevated to new heights.

To complete this exquisite dining experience, we were treated to a Himalayan Rose Petal Infusion, a delicate and fragrant tea that left a lingering sense of tranquility.

Varq is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who appreciate the artistry of Indian cuisine. Each dish was a masterpiece, a testament to the passion and skill of the chefs. The ambiance was elegant and refined, creating the perfect setting for this unforgettable culinary journey.

#Varq #IndianFineDining #Delhi...