THE DINNER SETUP looks straight out of a southern Italian countryside in the middle of an orchard, with strings of fairy lights twinkling overhead and lanterns hanging from branches. Yet, it's laid out with a flourish as is expected of a fine dining setting, with handpicked candlestands and floral arrangements, customised placemats and clipboard menus, and curated tableware. Sitting here and savouring a seven-course, farm-to-fork, plant-forward meal, it's easy to forget that I am, in fact, in India's prime desert country. More precisely, at the experiential farm of Mharokhet (mharokhet.com), just about an hour outside of Jodhpur in the northwest frontier state of Rajasthan.
Think of Jodhpur, and the first image that comes to mind is an old town painted blue, in the middle of Thar Desert. Home to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and the resplendent Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Blue City is primarily known for its architecture and royal heritage. But apart from a few regional specialities, its food culture hasn't been exciting enough to write home about. Until now. New initiatives are shining a spotlight on the foods of the region, including native desert produce, in unique and mindful ways that are sure to appeal to the inspired traveller.
I arrive at Mharokhet with a few friends, and we are ushered in with a tractor ride to the reception, a mud house built with locally available materials. A shy woman dressed in a bright red traditional outfit, with the pallu drawn low over her face as is the custom in these parts, welcomes us with coconut water infused with blue pea flower. I try to learn her name, which she reveals after many giggles is Shampoo. She's one of a dozen or so local women from the neighbouring Manai village who are employed and trained by Mharokhet in organic farming and hospitality, thus upskilling them for alternate incomes.
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SOARING ABOVE THE REST
Surrounded by stunning mountain views yet located in the city centre, the Hilton Kathmandu captures the essence of Nepali culture and cuisine.
HEARTWARMING HOSPITALITY
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in India has 60 hotels under its umbrella, all of which offer exceptional hospitality, a comfortable stay, and memories for a lifetime.
FOOD IS ART,
and we truly believe so-which is exactly what the fifth edition of the Delicious Dining Awards 2024 celebrated, acknowledged, and honoured. From the stalwarts of the F&B industry choosing the restaurants, cafes, and menus that they love to readers picking their favourites across restaurants and bars in leading hotels to the growing offerings of homegrown spirits and mixers as well as applauding for the T+L tastemakers who are changemakers in their own way, this year's DDA was all about the artistic excellence of the culinary industry in our country.
The Great Wide Open
At a new camp in the steppes of central Mongolia, Kate Eshelby saddles up for the adventure of a lifetime.
Life Of Pai
Japleen Kaur escapes to this lesser known Thailand town that's right out of a dreamy storybook
EAT, PRAY, LOVE with ABHAY DEOL
When he's not playing characters that'll leave an impression for a lifetime, Abhay Deol is a homebody in pursuit of new creative skills. SAMREEN TUNGEKAR spends the day at the actor's Goa casa-a home he's built himself and discovers his approach to life, travel, and the importance of replenishment
Space Odyssey
Couturier Amit Aggarwal talks to Chirag Mohanty Samal about how travel inspires him to create, reflect, and innovate
HANOI LIKE A LOCAL
The 1,000-year-old capital city offers a time-travel experience with its hearty dose of culture, an elegant fusion of architectural styles, and a fascinating food and coffee heritage
FARM FAB
Enjoy the gift of nature without sacrificing your comforts at Oleander Farms for your upcoming family holiday
10 Emerging Experiences in Asia
Thrilling, relaxing, exciting and indulgent-here is our handpicked list of must-dos that bare the vibrant and diverse soul of this fascinating continent