Jugaad

Sick of sipping lassis at Rajasthani pseudo-palaces? Head to Jugaad (“find the solution” in Hindi)! After reinvigorating Indian cuisine at MG Road and Desi Road, chef Manoj Sharma has opened his very first restaurant, backed up by Nicolas Escalpez and Alexandre Guillet, the founders of the festive (and somewhat crazy) Uma Nota. Khaki walls, coral pink rafters and ceilings, fuchsia crown mouldings, multicolored wicker chairs… Jugaad is radiant with both color and luminous Indian cuisine. The day we went for lunch, dishes filed out in front of the majestic tandoori ovens, including: delicious broccoli malai makhani (marinated in a saffron sauce); tuna bhel or raw tuna salad with fried vegetables and an intense tamarind sauce; chicken roasted in the oven and hydrated with a spiced tomato sauce (garam masala, ginger, cumin, etc.); diced salmon marinated in maple syrup with a creamy curried yogurt and a cardamom cream; soft naan (butter, garlic or cheese) to wipe each plate clean…. And to end the meal? A banana tarte tatin paired with green cardamom whipped cream. Looking for a little luxury? Reserve the chef’s table for groups of six to eight guests. // John Mason

FEELING THIRSTY? There are five alcoholic cocktails, including a punchy Tommy’s Paloma (tequila, rose syrup, grapefruit, tonic and lime), IPA (€6.50 for 330 ml), flavored teas (€5.50), a Pouilly-Fumé from Pascal Jolivet (€11 a glass), a Crozes-Hermitage from Yann Chave (€10)…
PRICE: À la carte €41-55, sides €6-8.