Drāvida Opens Jam & Jaggery, an Intimate Speakeasy Celebrating South Asian Flavours

Drāvida, the East Village restaurant by Mumbai-born Chef Aarthi Sampath, continues its exploration of Indian and South Asian diaspora flavours with Jam & Jaggery, an intimate speakeasy.

Tucked away on the restaurant’s lower level, it is designed as a cosy, tavern-like space.

The bar features original stone walls, framed Indian saris donated by Aarthi’s mother, abstract artwork and repurposed vintage chairs. With its warm, personal touches and intimate setting, Jam & Jaggery carries forward Drāvida’s celebration of South Asian influences in a more relaxed, immersive setting.

“Jam & Jaggery is a cosy, tavern-like space with a very personal touch. We have artwork made from my mom’s saris, abstract paintings, and vintage chairs that we’ve repurposed. It’s a dark, intimate little space where you can listen to great music, have a quiet conversation, and enjoy food from Drāvida. Somewhere to settle in and take your time,” shared Sampath.

The cocktail menu brings together unexpected ingredients and inventive combinations, reimagining familiar flavours through a contemporary lens. The Badak Old Fashioned gives the classic a distinctive twist with shochu, duck fat, cardamom bitters and jaggery, while the Dirty Currytini introduces curry leaves to a savoury cocktail. Drawing inspiration from Indian street food, Golgappa Chaat combines pomegranate, tamarind, yoghurt, aloo bhujia and herbs, while the Goa Highball blends passionfruit, grapefruit, ginger and amaro. 

The menu also features sherry-based cocktails that celebrate the South Asian and Indian diaspora through playful combinations, with select drinks available without alcohol.

The food menu extends this cross-cultural exploration with dishes such as Khameeri Roti with Kashmiri chile chutney, Uyghur Ribeye Kawap and Fire-Roasted Sweet Potato Ema Datshi, inspired by Bhutanese cuisine. Designed to complement the drinks, the menu brings together influences from across the region while staying true to Drāvida’s approach to South Asian flavours.

With its intimate setting, personal design details and inventive cocktails, Jam & Jaggery takes Drāvida’s culinary perspective beyond the dining room and into the cocktail glass, offering a space to discover familiar flavours in unexpected ways.