Jaya's Indian Cuisine — Restaurant in Southern Pines

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you're looking for an authentic Indian dining experience or even just a change of pace in the Southern Pines dining scene, look no further than Jaya's! This family-owned gem is a true treasure right downtown, and it’s among the best Indian restaurants I’ve ever visited.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the inviting aromas of spices from freshly cooked dishes, all made from scratch with love and care. The passion this family has for their cuisine shines through in every bite. Whether you’re a newcomer to Indian food or a seasoned aficionado, there’s something here for everyone. The decor and the Bollywood music videos on the TV screen add to the experience!

The menu is a delightful journey through traditional Indian flavors, with a homemade taste you just don't get at most Indian restaurants! Each dish is crafted with authentic ingredients and techniques, making it the closest thing to home-cooked Indian meals I’ve ever experienced in a restaurant. You can truly taste the difference! It really feels and tastes like you are an honored guest in their home!

Their butter chicken is delicious with an amazing rich buttery flavor and texture. I also love their Chicken Tikka Masala, Palak Paneer, and Tandoori Chicken. At dinner, the entrees are big enough to swap and share generously with your companions or to take some home to enjoy again! If you go at lunchtime, the thali dishes provide a complete and delicious meal at a reasonable price! And don't miss the naan no matter what! It's always freshly baked and pillowy soft and delicious!

Jaya and family are always eager to help you navigate the menu and recommend dishes and spice levels based on your preferences.

Whether you’re dining in or ordering takeout, the food, service and experience...

Worst biryani ever I have eaten I have eaten morethan 1000 biryani in my time this is not even a pulao or biryani it's looking like a fried rice on top of it white rice just pieces are cooked and good aroma not rice or not even spices

Only reason I ordered because the owners are from tamilnadu thought it will be very good taste but it's a disaster

Day before Yesterday night ordered from Taj restaurant goat biryani was awesome the chef they hired was a Hyderabad chef

Better chefs here learn from him if you don't know the recipes shame of chefs just looting hard earned money from customers

I don't know weather this owner Will eat this type of biryani tamilnadu is famous for Atleast talapakatti biryani and seeraga samba biryani better atleast convert to those biryani...

I used to go to this spot when it was in the smaller buliding. Was at one point the best option for authentic Indian food in the area. I knew I messed up when I got the butter chicken to go. It came out in less than 5 minutes and while I was super happy about the minimal wait I had a feeling my food would not deliver. I paid $26 dollars for 5 chunks of meat, the palest butter chicken curry sauce I've ever seen, a nice littlr cup of raita, a good amount of rice and a chewy order of garlic naan. The curry was similar in flavor and texture to a butternut squash soup and was a pale comparison to what I first had when dining here. I am not sure I will return unless I happen to be stranded in town...