When you are in Delhi next, the best place to book a yummy meal is Spice Route at the iconic Raj-era Imperial Hotel. The hotel’s sumptuous accoutrements provide a resplendent experiential journey underpinning India’s legend as the “Land of Maharajas’.
Spice Route is not just a restaurant; it’s a time machine which transports you to an era when India was the bustling hub on part of the Maritime Silk Route, also known as the Spice Route. The Spice Routes were, and still are, first and foremost trade routes; they were formed by traders buying and selling goods from port to port.
The Indian Ocean region covers an area of 73,556,000 sq miles and links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Spice Routes refers to the ancient sea lanes connecting the Indian subcontinent with East Asia and the West. This vital connectivity served as a fantastic platform for pushing the boundaries of trade in spices, silk and other luxurious goods through their ports of call. On the other hand, those ancient sailing ships were an important channel for propagating diplomacy, exchange of knowledge and culture—and adventurism in the port settlements.
These trade centres spread from South of China to Indonesia as well as southern India and Sri Lanka famed for their spices which had ritual and medical virtues, as well as for their culinary value. Grown exclusively in these parts exotically fragrant items such as cloves and nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper were the most distinctive trading allurements. It is little known that the ancient cinnamon route was established long before the silk route. To this day we read about myths and legends intertwined with these exotic goods, no doubt further inspired by the traders who wanted to hide their actual sources and protect their profits by monopolising the trade.
Beloved for its South and Southeast Asian flavours, The Spice Route restaurant’s culinary explorations in Delhi are a salute to the great foodways legacies scripted by the legendary Maritime Silk Route.
Following the overwhelming response to its summer debut, The Spice Route, Delhi continues to lure gourmands with its exclusive Luxe Lunch Set Menu, priced at INR 1350+ plus taxes; patrons can avail of this unique offer till 31st December 2025.
The bright new offerings are a wonderful showcase of the restaurant's first menu overhaul in 30 years. Braving the challenges of time and tastes, the new menu features dishes from South and Southeast Asia such as Malaysian laksa, Kerala-style moilee, and Indonesian satay, Bak Mie Goreng, Gindara Miso Cod, Maamisam Saalna, and Massaman curry.
But at its very core the new menu it is still true to its spirit of winning palates and hearts.
The layered ambience of The Spice Route, is underpinned by its glorious murals hand-painted with 3,000-year-old vegetable dyes by artisans from Guruvayur, the Thai sculptures, treasured antiques— Oh Lord! We are talking about the entire décor at large— all delivered by the inspirational artisanal touches from across South and Southeast Asia.
Originally introduced as a seasonal indulgence, the Luxe Lunch with dishes from East Asia, Java, and Southern India, has become a much-loved ritual for those seeking a refined mid-day escape. Guests can look forward to a thoughtfully crafted three-course experience – from vibrant appetisers to soul-satisfying mains and indulgent desserts. To keep the journey exciting, new dishes and fresh flavours are introduced each week, making every visit a discovery in itself. Tuck into Rice Crackers and Cassava Chips, a zesty Thai Mango Salad, Rujak Tofu Pockets, encased in tangy Javanese sauce, Nadan Khozy, a Kerala-style chicken curry. A perfect closure to this delicious meal— the Mango Chia Pudding or Che Thai — a Vietnamese-inspired coconut milk dessert with water chestnuts.
The Spice Route Luxe Lunch is an exotic culinary adventure for business lunches, leisurely afternoons, or simply a well-deserved break in Imperial Delhi.
Price: INR 1350+ taxes per person
Reservations: +91 11 41116634 | spiceroute@theimperialindia.com