Delightful DEL for Dilliwalas

DEL, the all day dining bistro at Roseate House, Aerocity is a refreshing new option for those looking for authentic, healthy and tasteful food. Inspired by the Delhi aero code, DEL offers gourmands a unique dining experience with change of menus at every meal time. I recently ventured into DEL, eager to explore what this hotel offered beyond the stunning architecture everyone keeps raving about. Just the way a house is converted into a cosy home by its inhabitants and their lifestyle, a beautiful hotel structure is converted into an alluring space one wants to visit time and again, through the hospitality of its staff, the warmth of the food and that special personal touch. 

I learnt that DEL offers the best of European, Oriental and Indian cuisine that will leave gourmet lovers in the city spoilt for choice. What more could it offer to this city of dilwalas! After I had taken a round of the stunning property which is so painstakingly curated, I must admit I was quite hungry and raring to go. The hotel is of course breath taking and long after you come back home, some vistas stay with you-the black marble lobby, the opulent grey villa suite, the rooftop infinity pool, the straight lines, shimmering water bodies, the charming uniforms and much more.

In DEL, there was a wonderful buffet spread awaiting and some names of dishes on the tent cards made me want to dash straight away and heap my plate. The menu on the other hand is a vast expanse of five menus that change at every meal time. But Chef Anuj Wadhawan had planned his special degustation menu for me. Chef Anuj is one of those dedicated chefs who lets his food do the talking. I could see so much thought had gone into each and every dish that he was talking about.

The meal started with a very light Chilled Cucumber and Chamomile Soup. It whet the appetite with out being overpowering. Up next was a very unique interpretation of the classic Salad Nicoise. Cured tuna with cured quail eggs and smattering of veggies. It was a bit bland but felt healthy and light on the palate. The other salad option was a House Beetroot and Burrata salad. Again I respect a chef who makes beetroot exciting!

Chilled Cucumber and Chamomile Soup

Beetroot and Burrata Salad

Tortellini with Kale and Raisins

Salade Nicoise

Scallops with Squid Ink

But by now I was wanting a more heady and robust experience and Chef Anuj read my mind. The next dish was a stunning Tortellini with Kale and Raisins. I thought that was a very unique combination and as someone who finds vegetarian food in restaurants a bit boring, I was quite blown away by the dish. It was perfectly balanced.

Rogan Josh Sous Vide with Quinoa Biryani and Blueberry Raita

But greater pleasures awaited. Next came the scallops and the black cod, very nicely grilled to perfection. And I had told Chef right in the beginning that Indian is my least favoured cuisine when eating out. But the show stealer was chef's interpretation of Rogan Josh cooked in sous vide, served with a Quinoa Vegetable Biryani and Blueberry Raita. This dish is a riot. Such a profusion of colours, flavours and textures on the plate, it leaves you spellbound.

The meal ended with a Chocolate Brownie with Ice-cream although there was no space for it. I personally found the dessert a bit unimaginative after such a superlative meal. But I am sure there will be many more choices. The best part is the chef is happy to conjure anything that you suggest with his own twist.


Through these courses, you feel bright and energetic as there is a lot of natural light in the restaurant with views of waterbodies and greenery. DEL reflects a grand sense of space. The 130 plus cover includes a posh private dining room that open to a sky lounge and a dining area amidst verdancy at the alfresco deck.  The variety of menus are sure to keep you going back for more and something new every time!