A stay at The Taj Mahal Palace can be defined with just one word – Royal! The five-star hotel located in Mumbai, India, next to the Gateway of India, is also the flagship property of the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces. A sneak peek inside the hotel’s private dining lounge, Chef’s Studio, serves a brief impression of one of the most expensive meals in the country.

Located on the first floor of the heritage wing at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Chef’s Studio was conceived in 2006 to serve customized meals in ultimate, luxurious private setting. Costing about $2,300 for two to six guests (and additional $400 for extra guests), the 12-course meal comprises of a glass of Dom Perignon and at least one surprise course. It is designed to handle requests ranging from contemporary European to classical European, Japanese, Thai, Indian and futuristic, molecular cooking. Originated by grand executive chef Hemant Oberoi to offer a rare experience to guests “who can appreciate the finest things in life”, Chef’s Studio boasts of entry by appointment only. A red carpet flanked by candles and flowers leads to the compact yet exclusive space which spreads out to house a table for eight and a compact kitchen. Also the studio’s decor can be altered to complement each meal as well as suit each guest’s preferences and the occasion.

The kitchen is fully equipped to order ingredients from around the globe along with a stock of olive oils that mature at specific points in the year. More exclusivity is expressed in form of glasses by Versace embellished with Gothic faces, cutlery by France’s Ercuis and decorative plates by Minton.