Indian High Tea at The Lattice, Taj Samudra

text Rihaab Mowlana
Nestled within the walls of Taj Samudra, The Lattice offers a unique and indulgent Indian High Tea experience every Friday and Saturday from 4 pm to 6:30 pm where guests are treated to a feast of flavours curated by Chef Sajesh.
Upon entering The Lattice, the unmistakable aromas of Indian street food waft through the air, setting the stage for a gastronomic journey. The centrepiece of the experience is the Pani Puri station—a live station where these delightful orbs of flavour are freshly prepared based on customer requests. The Pani Puri, also known as Puchka, is a staple street food across India. Each bite-sized, crisp puri is filled with a spicy and tangy mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind water. The burst of flavours with each pop is a true delight for the taste buds.
Photos Nisal Baduge

The selection at the High Tea, while comparatively minimal, had a vibrant offering of which the Mutton Kebab was the star. Made to perfection, the kebabs were succulent and very flavorful. The charred exterior and tender interior of the kebabs made them a highlight of 
the evening.
For those with a penchant for sandwiches, The Lattice does not disappoint. The variety of sandwiches showcased the diversity of Indian flavours. Now, while sandwiches might not be synonymous with Indian fare, The Lattice brought in a creative twist by infusing distinctly Indian fillings. The Paneer Bhurji Sandwich, with its grated paneer cooked in Indian style, was my favourite. The Pinwheel Sandwich, filled with mushrooms was also another favourite, and you can’t go wrong when you use chicken tikka as a filling, so the Chicken Tikka Sandwich is also likely to be a crowd favourite. 
The menu, curated by Chef Sajesh, goes beyond the usual suspects of chaats and sandwiches. The Amritsari Patties, with their crispy exterior and flavourful potato filling, are a nostalgic nod to the streets of Amritsar. The Chicken Kheema Samosa, with its spiced minced chicken encased in a golden, flaky pastry, is a savoury indulgence.
The culinary journey continues with dosas, a South Indian speciality. The Podi Idly, dosas coated with a flavourful spice mix showcase the diversity of Indian cuisine. The Lucknowi delicacy, Lamb Kaas Kebab, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region, with its perfectly spiced and grilled lamb.
To complement the bold and spicy flavours of the chaats and kebabs, The Lattice offers an array of refreshing drinks. The Mango Lassi, a classic Indian beverage, stands out as a crowd favourite. Creamy yoghurt blended with sweet mango creates a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavours, while the Rose Milkshake was also enjoyable and not too sweet.
For those with a sweet tooth, The Lattice presents a tempting selection of desserts. The Gajar Halwa Pie, presented in a pie format, is a creative twist on the classic carrot halwa. The Millet Kurrakkan Flour Halwa offers a unique and wholesome take on traditional halwa. The Coconut Dusted Gulab Jamun, a dry version of the beloved sweet, provides a delightful end to the meal.
The changing items on the menu ensure that each visit to The Lattice is a fresh and exciting experience. From the Aloo Bonda to the Veg Lukhmi and the Hyderabadi Dush, there is always something new to discover and savour.
In conclusion, the Chaat at the Taj Samudra: Indian High Tea at The Lattice is a culinary journey. Chef Sajesh’s expert curation of flavours, the live Pani Puri station, and the diverse menu make this experience a must-try for food enthusiasts. Whether you are a fan of spicy chaats, succulent kebabs, or indulgent desserts, The Lattice promises an unforgettable evening of culinary delights. The meticulous attention to detail, and the use of high-quality ingredients ensure that this Indian High Tea is not just a meal but a celebration of flavours and textures that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.