Rudyard Kipling’s journey through India, celebrated through culinary flair

English author and poet, Rudyard Kipling, is heralded as one of the United Kingdom's most prolific writers from the 18th and 19th century. His 1890 poem, Mandalay, reflects on a soldier’s nostalgic memories of Burma while Kim; published in the late 19th century, follows an Irish orphan and his life-changing journey after an encounter with a Tibetan monk. His most notable work, The Jungle Book, is globally adored even a century later and has spawned movie franchises, and generations of young explorers. 

 

 

 

 

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The commonality between most of Kipling’s work is their background in India, which traces his own journey through the country. Born in 1865 Bombay when under British colonial rule, he was influenced by the warm and vibrant culture right from the start. So much so that, after schooling in England during his teens, he promptly returned to India and travelled across Shimla, Bombay and Calcutta, which greatly shaped his work as a journalist and author. Rudyard’s literary gems have gone on to make Mowgli a beloved childhood icon and celebrate Indian wildlife in all its majesty, thus setting a standard for anthropomorphic story-telling. 

What Rudyard also inspired is the historic Sahib Room & Kipling Bar, located in Mumbai’s luxurious The St. Regis hotel. Launched a decade ago, the fine-dining restaurant has marked its arrival back into polite society after a 9-month-long renovation period, which has transformed it into a glamour-laden dining destination. Its decor and fare boast of being shaped by Kipling’s growing years in India and his literary works that were based in the country’s rich culture and natural surroundings. The new signage leads the way with the inclusion of a panther, paying tribute to The Jungle Book’s Bagheera. Its ambiance pays tribute to the jungle retreats of yore, which was the premise of many of Kipling’s works; where hunters pitched their tent and gathered for a meal by the fire. The vibe is intact, but served most lavishly. Deep wooden flooring and tented ceilings surround a stately bar in the corner, an extravagant Chef’s Table under a canopy and a Spectacle Kitchen for keen diners. Wallpapered-panels with wildlife motifs, patterned upholstery and foliage-filled corners bring a touch of the outdoors, indoors.  

The cocktail menu follows Kipling’s footsteps throughout his journey in India; beginning with The Bay, which marks his birthplace in Bombay to The Intellect, which tells of his time in Calcutta. Here, Indian cuisine comes with a lavish touch. Sahib Ki Dal-E-Khaas and Kalonji Paneer bring glamour to much-loved kitchen favourites. Sahib ki Nalli Nihari shimmers with a hit of umami while Banarasi Bhatti da Murgh is jam-packed with grilled notes and creamy flavour. The Sahib ka Malai Toast is a decadent dessert choice while Phirni finds balance between sweetness and creaminess as a finale to the spectacle.

Rudyard Kipling left a rich literary history behind. The next time you'd like to revisit in his birth place, it is as simple as picking up a book or even better, a cocktail inspired by his journey through the passages and pathways through India.