From The Flying Trunk, I gaze at Jhandewalan straddling old and New Delhi: the domes and minarets of the old city rise on one side, while the glass towers of Connaught Place glint on the other. Lately, though, the view has been softened by a lingering haze — pollution, to be precise — that mutes the usual vibrancy of the streets below.
The 74-cover bar at Novotel New Delhi City Centre attempts to capture the diversity of Asia through playful drinks and food. The cocktail menu highlights elements like tea and spice that define this part of the world, while the food menu draws inspiration from some of the busiest street markets in India, Japan, Thailand, and China.
Its name evokes the elephant, a symbol of strength and majesty, while ‘flying’ nods to the rooftop’s elevated vantage. The décor reflects this philosophy: curling cloud motifs hover overhead indoors, balanced by soft carpets underfoot. The outdoor terrace is all about drinks with a view, though it’s best savoured on days when the AQI is kinder, letting the skyline shine through.
Cocktails that take flight
The menu is divided into multiple sections, and I begin with Elephant’s Dream, which highlights the bar’s signature creations. My first drink is Frozen Spring, a striking experience both visually and on the palate. It arrives encased in a hollowed ice block, topped with an edible bloom. Floral jasmine notes mingle with slight tartness, while the milk clarification lends an indulgent finish.
The Merchant’s Pour
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Next comes I Woke Upon Cloud Nine. White rum infused with pandan and condensed milk is dotted with tiny Thai spice popcorn. The drink balances sweet, creamy, and subtly spiced notes without feeling heavy.
Whisky lovers will appreciate the Amber Cask section. I try The Gilded Route, bourbon with turmeric-honey cordial and apricot. It offers a gentle warmth, though I wish the apricot flavour is slightly more pronounced. The zesty Merchant’s Pour blends Japanese whisky with an Asian spice syrup, lime, and ginger ale.
Try the tea-infused cocktails from the ‘Chai’ section. There is a Kashmiri Kahwa Sour, where kahwa-infused gin meets lime and spiced toddy syrup. Ideal for a chilly evening. The Chai Old Fashioned, with bourbon and masala chai syrup, is surprisingly smooth and served with a mini masala mathi, a playful little nibble that complements the drink.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, the spice-forward City Centre Picante from the ‘Spice’ section packs a punch. Tequila, agave, coriander, and red chilli pickle masala come together in a fiery, citrusy mix that wakes up the palate instantly.
Calamari salt and pepper
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
A culinary journey across markets
The food menu, Silk, Spice and the Stories Between, crafted by Chef Umesh Singh, draws inspiration from the Xi’an night market in China, the Amphawa floating market in Thailand, Nishiki market in Japan, and Chandni Chowk in India.
From the Indian subcontinent bazaar section, I try spicy Tangra Chilli Paneer. The Lahori Seekh Kebab is well-marinated with spices but could be more tender.
The Nishiki market-inspired offerings show both skill and flair. There is prawn sushi, dotted with sweet chilli sauce, crisp potato garnish, and creamy avocado. The refreshing spicy shiitake cucumber sushi balances the richer dishes on the menu. The Ebi tempura, while well-seasoned, falls a touch short of the crispness you expect from this classic Japanese street food.
Dumplings from the Xi’an market section are worth trying. The Thai lamb version is delicate and juicy, while the Tibetan celery chicken dumpling has a clean, earthy flavour that pairs well with its light, chewy wrapper.
The ‘meal in a bowl’ options are a mixed bag. While the Japanese katsu curry with Koshikari rice is satisfying: with tender chicken and fragrant curry, the Kadhai Gosht with Matar Pulao doesn’t quite hit the mark. The meat lacks tenderness, and the flavours do not meld with the rice, leaving it comparatively flat.
All in all, The Flying Trunk delivers several hits, and though there are a few misses, the experience is well worth the climb.
Interiors at The Flying Trunk
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
The Flying Trunk is at 1, Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Jhandewalan, New Delhi. A meal for two is priced at ₹3,000-plus taxes with alcohol. Open from Monday to Sunday; 5pm to 1am. For reservations, call 9266900145/44
Published – December 05, 2025 06:38 am IST
