Royal Repast

Chaudhri’s first outlet,also near the Qutub,called Thai Wok,shut down during the MCD sealing drive in 2007,almost six years after it opened. Emperor’s Kitchen,set up with close friends Shilpa Gupta and Analgit Singh as partners,follows her motto of “enjoying a meal in the middle of ancient history”. “This spot was on our radar for a couple of months. It offers a stunning location as one gets a great view of the Qutub and the tranquil setting makes a perfect lifestyle statement,” says Chaudhri,adding that the place is open for lunch,high tea and dinner.

The gates open into a central courtyard dotted with palm trees. The wide expanse of glass is punctuated by plastered white columns that lend the outdoor a neat and uncluttered look. In stark contrast,the interiors are painted in bright shades of gold and purple. The restaurant is spread over two levels,with a rustic staircase leading up from the courtyard into the open terrace garden where simple white tents invite you for a cosy winter dinner.

Chaudhri uses her experience in Thai cuisine to design an apt menu. She has roped in two expatriate chefs. The restaurant focuses on Thai and Chinese with a selection of dim sums. There is a separate menu for high tea,which is expected to be a hit with foreigners who can relax with their evening cuppa while watching the Qutub Minar at sunset. “We have gone in for a wide selection in the menu to give guests more flexibility to choose their kind of dishes,” she explains. Contact: 26642600