Followed by over 100,000 travel enthusiasts

IF YOUR MIND IS A PRISONER OF YOUR LIMITED THOUGHTS, HELP IT BREAK FREE. TRAVEL

- SAJJID MITHA

Followed by over 100,000 travel enthusiasts

IF YOUR MIND IS A PRISONER OF YOUR LIMITED THOUGHTS, HELP IT BREAK FREE. TRAVEL

- SAJJID MITHA

Jaan: A Culinary Odyssey Through Indian Royalty

We embarked on a rather unexpected gastronomical journey, when a friend visiting from San Francisco said to me that he was keen to try Indian cuisine, which he insisted should boast of authentic Mughlai and strong Awadhi flavours. He was quick to add that the meal shouldn’t be too spicy, nor too oily and yet he insisted that while experiencing the food at the restaurant of my choice, he should be transported to a time, way back in history, where he would feel as if his Indian dinner was prepared in the royal kitchens of a Maharajah.

He also said that on his frequent visits to Mumbai over the years, he had already experienced a host of Indian restaurants, names of which he shared with me while requesting most sincerely that the restaurant I eventually decided upon, should not be one he had been to before. Since he happens to be one of my dearest friends and I strongly believe in the Indian phrase Atithi Devo Bhava (Your guest is your God), I decided to take on the challenge and set about researching for any reputable Indian restaurants I may have missed out on, on our many dine-out nights in Mumbai.

Tucked away in an old building in Rampart Row, in Mumbai’s famous Kala Ghoda area, opposite the Jehangir Art Gallery, is the restaurant Jaan. A rare and precious Gem, we were soon to discover. Jaan is the brainchild of the immensely talented, multi faceted, down to earth and very well known Chef Farrokh Khambata who over the years has delighted the discerning palates of millions of Mumbaikars with his restaurants Joss, Amadeus, Izaya and Umame. Winner of innumerable awards, Farrokh is back with his latest launch Jaan, a restaurant which intrigued us from the moment we were directed to an outdoor seating area, on a cozy little terrace (they did offer us the option of dining indoors but we declined), overlooking the magnificent dome of the Prince Of Wales Museum on the left and the Rajabai Clock tower on the right. A rather large Mahogany tree, well over 100 years old and brightly lit, creates a natural leafy chlorophyl canopy for nature loving diners to enjoy. 

It was a full moon night and there was a very welcome nip in the air. We couldn’t wait to order and after spending time going through an impressive  menu, we were served the Lasooni Jingha (garlic prawns). Giant, succulent, perfectly marinated pieces of delicious crustaceans with exciting bursts of balanced flavours started off our evening with our dear friends (we were a table of 6) all of who offered agreeable nods and rather generous thumbs ups to the first lot of starters we were served.