CHENNAI: Jolly Indian in Alwarpet feels like entering a curated time capsule where nostalgia meets modern indulgence. The space is drenched in retro Indian pop culture references, vibrant colours, and playful design details that instantly set a light-hearted, celebratory mood.
From petti kadai wall art to thoughtfully layered lighting, the ambience strikes a balance between kitsch and comfort.
The dining experience mirrors this spirit. Familiar pan-Indian flavours arrive with a contemporary twist, comforting yet inventive, rooted in memory but plated for today’s urban palate.
Jolly Indian is a part of BORN (Beyond Ordinary Restaurants and Nosh) Restaurants, founded by Japtej Ahluwalia, Manoj Padmanabhan, and chef Gopalsamy Mani.
“The idea is to open a fun Indian restaurant and also include elements representing different parts of India. Right at the beginning, we play the dhol to set the mood for a fun-filled dining experience. Here, we also make sure that the waiting time is utilised properly with games,” says Japtej Ahluwalia.
Conversations flow easily across the room, buoyed by the restaurant’s lively energy and warm, attentive service. There is an unmistakable sense of ease here, where food is not rushed and laughter feels encouraged. Live experiences, such as lassi-making, stand out, ensuring that the visit remains memorable.
Manoj Padmanabhan believes that the diner fills a major gap in Chennai’s culinary scene. “In Chennai, we have either North Indian cuisine or South Indian cuisine, and either fine dining or mess culture. The space in between remains unexplored.
We aim to fill this niche void in the culinary landscape, catering to people from different walks of life with an infectious vibe,” he shares, adding that food as a business is increasingly blending with entertainment, shifting the focus to both experience and taste.
Chef Gopalsamy Mani notes, “Our menu is ingredient-focused. As we cater to people of all age groups, we prepare homemade masalas for our dishes.
Coming to the dishes, it is surprising how each one delivers electrifying flavours with a unique twist. The artichoke fritters are definitely new to the Indian palate, but they win for their exotic taste.
Next comes the tender pumpkin galouti, with its melt-in-the-mouth consistency. The neer dosa with prawn ghee roast deserves a special mention for its perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Creativity reaches another level at this diner. One innovative dish that wins hearts is the butter chicken vada pav. The smoked pineapple chaat is also a treat for the taste buds, especially for those yearning to try inventive dishes.
In the main course, the pesto naan and cheese naan pair well with the creamy chicken curry. Not to be missed are the refreshing, silky, and soothing coconut payasam and the strong South Indian coffee tiramisu, the perfect cherry on top.
Jolly Indian is less about formal dining and more about shared moments. A meal for two costs approximately ₹1,800.