By Ayandrali Dutta
Delhi has seen its fair share of pop-ups and regional showcases, but few leave a mark quite like The Mountain Table did. “The Mountain Table’ curated by Gormei at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity saw Chef Katherine Lim and Chef Ishita Rai Dewan bring together the warmth, depth, and quiet intrigue of Eastern Himalayan cuisine—transporting diners from the plains of Delhi to the misty hills of Sikkim, Kalimpong, Nepal, and beyond. Together, they craft a delicious narrative of the mountains—one plate at a time. The menu, deeply rooted in mountain kitchens, was a masterclass in understated complexity. The Mountain Spiced Mutton arrived first—tender, marinated morsels tossed with a bold rub of chili, Sichuan pepper, black cardamom, and cumin. This was followed by the Roasted Pork Belly, where crispy skin gave way to meltingly soft meat, beautifully paired with a smoky tomato dalle chutney that cut through the richness. A standout was the Kinema Pork, a dish from Kalimpong that paired fermented soybeans with pork in a way that challenged the palate and rewarded the adventurous. The Yunnan Beer Stewed Duck was comfort in a bowl—slow-cooked, aromatic, and gently bitter with a hint of hops. On the rice and noodle front, the Mountain Keema Noodles (offered in both veg and non-veg options) hit the spot with its umami-packed soybean mince and the familiar tangle of wok-tossed strands. Nepalese Corn Rice, subtly sweet from Himalayan corn, offered a wholesome, grounding counterpart to the bolder mains. The Tingmo, fluffy Tibetan steamed buns, were soft as clouds and ideal for scooping up gravies and sauces. Desserts offered gentle closure: the Kalimpong Fambi Halwa was chewy, glossy, and nostalgic in texture; the Chinese Mooncake with red bean filling came served with vanilla ice cream and a delicate osmanthus drizzle, both floral and fragrant; and the Mango Sago Pudding, with its bright notes of mango, lychee, and ice cream, was summer in a bowl. This was not just a meal—it was a memory. With every plate, Chefs Katherine and Ishita reminded Delhi that mountain food is not just comforting—it’s culture-rich, deeply personal, and worthy of celebration.