Up above the world so high – that is where we had a Pan-Asian weekend lunch at OKO restaurant on the 28th floor of The Lalit Hotel off Connaught Place in Delhi.  They are serving an Asian spread curated by MasterChef Suriya who has come all the way from Thailand. Along with his chef secrets, he has also brought along special ingredients to enhance our experience.

Pan Asian Menu at OKO

Surprisingly Indian cuisine is not considered when we talk about “Asian” food. Yet there are many similarities in Indian cooking style as well as condiments and seasonings in some Asian countries, and we do not mean Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Nepal.

Take the case of Thai food. During a host of experiences, we have realised that there are many overlaps between Indian and Thai cuisines. Like many parts of India, the staple in Thai food is rice. Moreover, they use frying as a process and add seasonings such as chillies and even turmeric to their food. We were happy to spot many such similarities between our home food and the Asian items we had during the lunch prepared by Chef Suriya.

Also Read: Namaste Thailand – Dinner with Thai Ambassador at His Residence in India

Dim sums, sushi, prawn crackers, tom-yum, uniquely flavoured baked basa fish, Jasmine rice, and coconut milk-water chestnut dessert, the spread was healthy yet the perfect combination of hot and sweet. The fried mango sushi was a first. The stir-fried vegetables and the yellow curry with turmeric had Indian hints. The meal was a balance of diverse tastes ranging between rich and bland. Balance is a key factor in Asian food and you can seek the chef’s help on this while placing your order.

The must-tries also include the sweet mango mocktail with a hint of chilli and the Thai coconut caramel custard served as part of the dessert. The custard was like the Anglo-Indian pudding and went well with coffee.

Bird’s Eye View of Delhi from OKO

Our table was against a glass wall that, to our surprise, overlooked the Red Fort at a distance. The mist after the wet spell in Delhi created a dreamy surrounding. The view from Oko literally elevated the dining experience to another level. So if you are out for a romantic meal, or want to show off Delhi to your friends or family from elsewhere, this could be a charming opportunity.

How to reach OKO, The Lalit

Lalit Hotel is virtually in the heart of Delhi. Barakhamba Road on the Blue Line is the nearest metro station and The Lalit is a few minutes’ walk from there. You can also take a radio taxi or an auto rickshaw that would easily bring you here. In case you are driving, you can park inside The Lalit premises at a valet charge.

PIN IT FOR LATER READ

Other attractions near The Lalit Hotel

The nearest popular attraction to The Lalit is the Delhi step well Agrasen ki Baoli. If you are a fan of theatre, the Mandi House area with many theatre halls such as Kamani Auditorium, Shri Ram Centre, LTG, and National School of Drama are all within walking distance.

Connaught Place, our favourite hangout place in Delhi is also nearby. If you like going traditional while shopping, Rajiv Gandhi Vyapar Bhawan on Baba Kharag Singh Marg is a longish walk or a few minutes by any public transport.
Chef Suriya is here to train the staff about his specialties in Asian cooking and all his master creations are included in Oko’s regular menu. Hi-five to the Asian bonanza at Oko, The Lalit! Oko is a grounded Asian experience near the sky.