Jazba — Restaurant in New York

Nestled in the heart of NYC, Jabza is a bold and refreshing celebration of authentic Indian regional cuisine. My recent visit was nothing short of extraordinary — each dish offered not only incredible flavor but a sense of history and place. Jabza isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary passport to India’s most iconic street food and heirloom recipes, executed with reverence and flair.

🔥 The Highlights: Aminabad Ki Galouti Kebab This was a true masterpiece. The minced mutton was so tender it quite literally melted in the mouth — a texture only possible with generations of technique behind it. The warqi paratha was flaky and buttery, the perfect vehicle for the kebab. Knowing they fly in a chef from Lucknow to craft this adds to its allure. A true homage to Tunday kebabs — and an absolute must-try.

Qureshi ke Seekh Kebab Charcoal grilled and perfectly spiced, these goat mince kebabs transported me straight to the streets of Delhi. The flavor was rich and layered without being overpowering — smoky, juicy, and deeply satisfying.

Aslam Butter Chicken Forget everything you know about butter chicken. This version — a tribute to Old Delhi’s Aslam — is grilled, bone-in, and drenched in a silky spiced butter cream. Paired with roomali roti, it was indulgent in the best possible way. A rare find in the U.S.

Kasundi Murg Tikka This Bengali-influenced dish stood out with its mustard-forward marinade. The kasundi was bold, tangy, and fermented just right, elevating the juicy grilled chicken into something memorably complex and addictive.

Jaituni Fish Tikka A lighter, more delicate dish — perfectly grilled fish with a marinade of yogurt, olives, green chilies, and coriander. Refreshing yet punchy, it was beautifully balanced.

Green Chili Chicken South Indian fire in its purest form. The bold use of curry leaves and green chilis gives it a fragrant heat that lingers. The spice level is intense — not for the faint-hearted — but it’s exactly what fans of Hyderabadi and Rayalaseema cuisine crave. Comparable to the heat of Thai green chili — unapologetically bold and deeply flavorful.

🍨 Dessert: Kulfa A delightful finale — glass noodles, kulfi, and phirni come together in a chilled saffron-scented bowl that’s both texturally fun and decadently creamy. A clever mashup of classic Indian desserts with modern presentation.

⭐ Final Thoughts: Jabza is not your typical Indian restaurant. It’s a deep dive into the culinary soul of India, highlighting regional legends with impeccable execution. The authenticity is unmatched — from sourcing chefs to recreating the exact flavors and techniques of Lucknow, Delhi, Bengal, and the South. If you’re a food lover looking for depth, spice, and stories behind every bite, Jabza is a must-visit. I’m already...

Utsav Honest Review (UHR: 6/10) Utsav Classics Take (UCT: 7/10) Here’s the detailed review:

Dish Reviews: Surat Ki Bread Roll (Stuffed with peas and corn, served with ketchup and green chutney) UHR: 5.5/10 | UCT: 6/10 A decent starter, but the flavors felt too basic to stand out. Delhi Aloo Ki Tikki (Chole stuffed inside for a classic chaat vibe) UHR: 6.5/10 | UCT: 7/10 Good flavors and a solid representation of street food, but not exceptionally unique. Nadru Kofta (Lotus stem dumplings in a rich gravy) UHR: 5.5/10 | UCT: 6/10 The gravy was pleasant but lacked depth due to undercooked onions. Lachha Paratha (Layered Indian flatbread) UHR: 6/10 | UCT: 7/10 Crispy and flaky, pairing nicely with the kofta gravy, but nothing extraordinary. Roomali Roti (Thin and soft Indian flatbread) UHR: 5/10 | UCT: 5.5/10 Chewy and slightly burnt, disappointing for an otherwise classic bread. Drink Pairings: Paan Drink (Whiskey infused with paan flavor) UHR: 7/10 | UCT: 8/10 A refreshing cocktail with unique Indian flavors. A standout drink that pairs well with any dish. Kesar Drink (Orange and mango juice blended with saffron) UHR: 5.5/10 | UCT: 6/10 Mildly flavorful but lacked the complexity and wow factor expected. Full Breakdown: 🌈 Vibe (UCT: 8/10): The lively atmosphere makes for a fun experience, but the noise level can be overwhelming for some.

🎨 Presentation (UCT: 7.5/10): The brass plates and glasses are a nice authentic touch that elevates the dining experience.

🍴 Food Quality (UCT: 6/10): While a few dishes shined, most felt average, with room for improvement in flavor depth and execution.

👃 Aroma (UCT: 6.5/10): The spices are noticeable but not as inviting as expected from Indian cuisine.

🎶 Music & Lighting (UCT: 7/10): Cozy lighting sets the mood, and the upbeat background music matches the vibrant vibe.

🧼 Hygiene (UCT: 7.5/10): The space was clean and well-maintained.

💰 Value for Money (UCT: 6/10): A bit pricey for the quality delivered, especially given the inconsistent food execution.

🍽️ Must-Try Dish: The Paan Drink is the highlight here and not to be missed.

⚠️ Spiciness Level Note: The food here leans more toward mild flavors than traditional Indian spice, so no need to worry about overwhelming heat if you’re hesitant about masala.

Final Verdict: This spot delivers a fun, lively atmosphere with creative drinks and decent vegetarian options. However, the food doesn’t quite hit the mark on authenticity or execution, leaving it as more of a casual dining experience rather than a standout destination.

Would I return? Maybe, but mostly...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at "Jazba," a captivating Indian restaurant located in the heart of New York City. Jazba offers a culinary journey through various regions of India, showcasing an exquisite array of flavors and dishes from across the country.

At Jazba, authenticity and innovation collide to create a culinary experience like no other. Indulge in the Aminabad ki Galouti Kebab, a centuries-old creation from Awadhi cuisine, served with warqi paratha, inspired by Lucknow's renowned Tunday kebab. Pay tribute to tradition with Aslam’s Butter Chicken, featuring chicken on the bone, spiced butter, and cream, accompanied by delicate roomali roti—an homage to Aslam’s grilled chicken. Don't miss the awesomely thin Roomali rotis, the perfect accompaniment to savor the rich flavors of the kebabs and butter chicken mor almost anything else on the menu. Each dish at Jazba is a journey through India's culinary landscape, where every bite tells a story of tradition, and the vibrant flavors of the subcontinent.

What sets Jazba apart is not only its diverse menu but also its creative and delightful Indian-flared cocktails. Each cocktail at Jazba is a unique blend of traditional Indian ingredients and contemporary mixology techniques, offering a refreshing and innovative take on drinks.

One standout cocktail I tried was the "Paan" with Rye whiskey, jazba paan nectar, cherry bitters, applewood smoke “inspired by the classic old fashioned with aromatic paan flavoring.”

The cocktail menu at Jazba is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of Hemant who is a masterful award winding mixologist and the General Manger of the award winning Junoon and now Jazba as well. Hemant is the man behind the drinks, who skillfully blends Indian-inspired ingredients with premium spirits to craft unique and unforgettable drinks here at Jazba and Junoon.

With its diverse menu, inviting ambiance, and innovative cocktail selection, Jazba offers a truly unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors and culture of India. Whether you're indulging in traditional Indian street food dishes or savoring one of their signature cocktails, Jazba is sure to delight your senses and leave you...