Jumeirah Vittaveli has celebrated the second anniversary of its Swarna Indian restaurant, with the launch of the most expensive Indian menu in the world.

The Gold at Swarna 15-course menu, which is priced at USD 2,000, is a signature experience combining the essence of opulence with the name of the restaurant, which translates to gold in Sanskrit. Diners can discover an evening of royal treatment and edible gold will be an essential ingredient of each dish.

The experience begins at the guest’s villa where they will be collected by a darban (gold buggy royal escort). Guests then arrive at a luxurious cabana where they have the chance to wear traditional Indian attire. Chef de Cuisine Bharat Kapoor then explains how he chose the combination of flavours for each dish which includes Blood Orange Soup with gold coated Himalayan Pink Salt and Rose Gold coated Lamb Patty served over Bread from the inverted grill touched with gold.

Passionate about Indian cuisine, Chef Bharat calls himself a spicewala or spice traveller. He takes pride in selecting ingredients on trips to India and only uses spices available in India.

“Authenticity is key,” Chef Bharat Kapoor was quoted in an announcement, as saying.

“You can’t get truly Indian flavours if you use international ingredients.”

Since Swarna opened two years ago, it has won the Best Indian Cuisine in Asia award at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards.

“Swarna continues to amaze our guests in terms of the ambiance and the progressive approach to food and beverage experiences. The new menu Gold at Swarna is a celebration of its continued success and takes the restaurant to another level,” General Manager Amit Majumder said.

Swarna takes guests on a culinary journey through India in a Maharaja style garden. Menus alternate between the 10-course journey menu, picking up flavours from every corner of the country and taking your palate on a voyage through the land of spices, and the signature 15-course Swarna Thali, an innovative new take on the Indian classic, in the form of an indulgent menu incorporating a host of rich flavours.

Located a short 20-minute ride on board a luxurious motorised catamaran from capital, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and personalised exploration, whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or an exotic destination for your family.

In addition to the recently launched Royal Residence, which was recently recognised as Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa at the World Travel Awards, Jumeirah Vittaveli comprises 89 villas and suites each with their own swimming pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The private and spacious villas are available with one or two bedrooms making them the ideal accommodation for both families and couples. Highlights are the free-standing Ocean Suites, located only a heartbeat away from the main island and accessible by complimentary boat service.