RI Exclusive: Chef Hari Nayak's Michelin-Recognised JHOL Set to Open in New Delhi

Bringing the flavours of India's coastline to the capital, JHOL, the contemporary Indian restaurant concept by internationally acclaimed Chef Hari Nayak, is set to open its doors in New Delhi on November 15. 

Known for its contemporary interpretation of regional Indian cuisine, the restaurant aims to offer a fresh perspective on coastal Indian flavours through thoughtful cooking, distinctive ingredients and modern culinary techniques.

Originally established in Bangkok's Sukhumvit district, JHOL draws inspiration from India's diverse coastal food traditions, spanning the Konkan and Malabar regions along the western coastline to Chettinad, Pondicherry and the Bay of Bengal in the east. 

Its culinary philosophy centres on reinterpreting these regional influences through a contemporary lens while retaining the authenticity and character of their culinary roots.

The word 'JHOL', colloquially used in Mumbai to describe mischief, reflects the restaurant's playful yet experimental approach to Indian cuisine. The concept brings together precise and elegant cooking with a relaxed, informal dining experience, challenging conventional perceptions of Indian food.

For its Delhi debut, Chef Hari Nayak has partnered with Akshay Shokeen, Karan Chawla and Angad Singh, the team behind Call Me Ten and Backyard Delhi. The collaboration marks a new chapter for the restaurant as it brings its coastal Indian culinary identity to one of the country's most dynamic dining markets.

Chef Hari Nayak's culinary journey has been shaped by his roots in Udupi and his exposure to global food cultures. His work with JHOL has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, establishing the concept as a contemporary expression of Indian regional cuisine on the international dining landscape.

With its Delhi opening, JHOL aims to introduce diners to the depth and diversity of India's coastal food traditions, presenting familiar regional flavours through an innovative and contemporary dining experience.