
04 Aug Restaurant Review: Tiqri- Taj Santacruz
‘Taj’, a name that screams royalty, symbol of undying love and passion. The taj group of hotels is a brand that signifies that exact definition of warmth, royalty and sophistication..Impeccable service, sophistication personified, warm vibes overall a great example of incredible, infallible hospitality and etiquette is what defines the Taj Group of Hotels.Across the country it represents these parameters of definition in the same consistency, class and with sheer elegance , they let you soak in a feel of warm comfort and welcomes you to a world of luxurious experience.
Ambiance and Decor -The Taj Santacruz is the newest of the Taj Hotels in Mumbai, explicitly positioned at the domestic Airport premises , which obviously attracts a huge lot of travelers apart from the residents of North Mumbai. So was I informed by the manger , that the target audience for this new Taj is primarily for the North Mumbai residents who can boast of the presence of Taj close by and in close proximity rather then struggling it out travelling toward the south of Mumbai. Secondly, the Taj as I saw ,with all its parameters of representing the divine feeling of royalty and class with sheer opulence is a tad different in pricing from the rest of the Taj outlets. A little low on the pricing both in room rates and at their coffee shop, Tiqri, it is a way I guess to attract a category of audience who perhaps would find a visit to Taj a far possibility even on occasions for the pricing quotient. Equitable and fair is my opinion.
Therefore the new Taj appears to be right in its offering ,thereby attracting a newer set of customers , lending an opportunity for many to experience the infallible hospitality and royalty of Taj .
Food ,Pricing and Service – As with the slight difference in pricing,designing it a little lower comparatively to its other premises, it clearly shows in their food menu too. Tiqri, their coffee shop is the highlight as far as a dining experience is concerned. Tiqri, as a name suggests , is a glass wall art, which is deftly portrayed in the form of a beautiful wall decor on one of the walls inside the restaurant. That is how the name tiqri is derived so says the manager. Beautifully done up, it is designed in a way as to give an open air feel kind of a luxurious ambiance while being positioned on the 1st floor level .Opens up to a sprawling space with the staff leading you to find your place. You will feel like their most anticipated guest of the day as you soak in their hospitality and the warm vibes. They are quick to help you with your orders and for the buffet, all you need is a little beck and they are quick to respond to your queries. Widely spread out, it has a square shaped buffet counter with dishes spread out across all sides, while the seatings are architecturally designed around it for easy access. The soups with its accompaniments and papads have the privilege of owing separate counter spaces a little wide away.

And like I mentioned, the pricing for the buffet at this Taj is fairly differently priced ,at an affordable rate of Rs 1500(plus taxes) unlike the other Taj outlets. While that’s a great brand strategy to attract newer footfalls on a product level, I do feel that on a negative side, the first timers would be left with an experience that doesn’t represent the wholesome feel and vibe , taste and experience of the Original Taj that’s hugely grand, elegance and class personified in all terms including its wide spread of buffet. That is my opinion, being a frequent visitor to various Taj across the country, I found the buffet spread a little indifferent in terms of the variety and number of dishes offered.
The starters were definitely less so was the chat counter which primarily only had one dish ‘chana chat’.For a Taj this seemed inexplicable .While the main-course seemed in perfect taste and blend with a mix of Indian, Italian and oriental cuisines. The desserts were gorgeous with a melange of Indian sweets and a mix of pastries, mousse, tarts,bruelle, jelly and fresh fruits.



Also you don’t go to a Taj just for food,you go for the nostalgia, the atmosphere and its overall experience and of course the crowd that all together exudes extravagance that is resplendence personified.
Ambiance: 5
Service:5
Pricing:5
Food(Buffet) :3.9
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