Jalwa:Modern Indian Dining — Restaurant in Montclair

Jalwa, a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, captivated my senses in the heart of Montclair. ✨ From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance seamlessly blended sophistication and relaxation – the perfect setting for a culinary adventure.

Culinary Symphony: Our dining experience was nothing short of a gastronomic symphony. The menu paid homage to traditional Indian dishes while presenting them with a contemporary flair. The Lasuni Gobi, a dance of cauliflower florets in a soy burnt garlic sauce, was a tantalizing start, setting the stage for what was to come.

Kabab Trio Extravaganza: The Kabab Trio, featuring Haryali Kabab, Malai Kabab, & Chicken Tikka, was a tasting masterpiece. Each kabab showcased distinct flavors, and the presentation was as delightful to the eyes as it was to the palate.

Mango Tulsi Prawns & Achari Fish Tikka: The Mango Tulsi Prawns and Achari Fish Tikka were a seafood lover's dream. Tandoori grilled shrimps with fresh basil & mango puree, and cubes of salmon marinated in yogurt and spices – both dishes reflected the chef's commitment to perfection.

Methi Paneer Malai Toast & Dal Bukhara: The Methi Paneer Malai Toast, a double layer of mint cottage cheese triangles in a creamy fenugreek & cardamom gravy, was a vegetarian delight. Accompanied by Dal Bukhara, a harmonious combination of black lentils cooked over a slow fire, our taste buds were transported to culinary bliss.

Chili Garlic Naan & More: The Chili Garlic Naan, topped with fresh minced garlic & Indian green chili, was the perfect accompaniment to our meal. It's the kind of bread that elevates every dish it graces.

Instagram Reel Worthy: The culinary artistry at Jalwa is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. Every dish was Instagram reel-worthy, and the glimpses inside the kitchen added an exclusive touch to the experience.

Service & Ambiance: The service was impeccable, with a knowledgeable staff guiding us through the menu. The relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance made Jalwa equally suitable for a special night out or casual gatherings with friends and family.

In a nutshell, Jalwa is a testament to the evolution of Indian cuisine. It's where tradition meets innovation, and each dish tells a story of culinary passion. A dining experience at Jalwa is not just a meal; it's a journey through the rich tapestry of...

Welcome Jalwa: Modern Indian Dining

Our first visit since they opened four months ago in the Mish Mish spot. We’ll definitely be back and with the friends who introduced us to Tashan in West Caldwell owned by the same experienced management. It was a beautiful night so we ate outside, but were always promptly attended to by the owner and one of the brother/partners of Tashan. And, yes, I forgot their names, typical.

Jalwa is Hindi for the radiation of beams of light, a beamy brightness. That fits our overarching impression of the food. It’s FRESH, high quality ingredients, expertly prepared and made NOW for you. No overcooking. No dull sauces, withered veg, dry meat. Of the 94 menu items, many are old favorites (22 vegetarian) but some were new to me, like Masala Calamari with its spicy tomato sauce. How spicy is your choice. I would go with “Full” next time. The chef’s specialty, Afgani Kebab is one of those dishes which in so many places is indifferently marinated and overcooked but, here, distinctly tastes of ginger, garlic and cardamom and remains juicy. Other starters for next time might be Galouti Kebab, lamb patties on mini Mughlai Paratha which are flaky layers of pan-fried wheat dough or the Saffron Butter Garlic Crab. The deeply-flavored Dal Bukhara is as good as everyone says and with the Shrimp Bhuna our favorite of the night. It inspired me to look up the source restaurant, the ITC Bukhara at The Maurya Hotel in New Delhi, just a stunner. The fresh baked breads are a specialty (12 on the menu), the naan is eye-poppingly huge. We opted for the Onion Kulcha which went particularly well with everything from the tamarind sauce to the rest of our dishes. My Garlic Shrimp Bhuna had an elegant masala and gently cooked seafood. Jasmine rice was ethereally fluffy, every long grain distinct. To conclude, Gulab Jamun is reliably skip-able elsewhere. Here it tasted fresh and the sauce made a great topping for the outstanding PAAN ice cream - my Indian Sunday! PAAN is the mix of spices seen as a palate cleanser cum breath freshener at many places. Here it’s the flavoring for a rich but refreshing, sweet rose petal, candied fennel dessert that I imagine is the food of choice in Svarga Loka, the esoteric plane. We left thoroughly delighted and with three meals to look...

Here's a place where you can find the tastiest and most drool worthy restaurant (literally drooling thinking about the food I ate here as I write this). I say this after tasting numerous Indian restaurants in NJ and New York. I was feeling low and missing home and the only thing that would make my mood right was authentic north Indian food that would make me feel home. Service: I met the sweetest and warm host Mr. V K Verma here who made sure that I was welcomed with the same warm heart as we welcome guests in India. Food: The quality is just A1. We used to order take out or home delivery most of the times as we know the food is just too good. But experiencing the service with the amazing food takes it to another level. We ordered (in no particular order): Dal Frontier: This is our go-to order almost every time. It has a warm homely feeling and hits the right notes of comfort food while being filling with the rice that comes with it. Chicken biryani : I don't like bones in my biryani and this biryani is just how I like. It has the right balance of spices and aroma. The absolutely crisp fried onions on the top do a good justice to the required taste and are not just for garnishing. Simply loved it!! Butter garlic Crab: This is my personal favorite because i love crabs and would die for it. I was not sure what to eat it with but it tastes yummm with the hunt of lime. Palak Chat : Don't cringe over the name like my husband did. The palak (spinach) is crisp and topped with all the good things like dahi, sev, annar dana (pomegranate seeds), etc and is a perfect chat. ( * I want to go back as soon as I am done writing this review). Try it and be sure to...