Jamavar
London, United Kingdom
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This smartly dressed restaurant is a firm favourite with those who love Indian food. The menu looks to all parts of India, with a slight bias towards the north, and also showcases dishes that would have featured in royal kitchens. Instead of starters there’s an extensive selection of small plates that include succulent narangi prawns. For mains, dishes from the tandoor include a delicious stone bass tikka, while the gucchi lababdar is a must; if you want the full experience, opt for the tasting menu. The ground floor room is more appealing than downstairs.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Inspired Interior Design Reflecting Indian Royalty and Heritage
Jamavar London’s interior is uniquely inspired by the Viceroy’s house of New Delhi, featuring dark timber paneling, hand-cut marquetry, Lutyens-inspired furniture, gilded lincrusta wallcoverings, and Indian Ganjifa artworks. This creates a glamorous yet intimate atmosphere that celebrates India’s culinary heritage and textile traditions in a fine dining setting.Pan-Indian Cuisine with Family Heritage Recipes
The menu is a creative blend of pan-Indian flavors crafted by Culinary Director Surender Mohan, using authentic techniques and local seasonal ingredients. It includes signature Jamavar classics and family recipes passed down from the Nair family matriarch, Leela Nair, offering a rare connection to royal Indian culinary traditions.Halal Chicken and Lamb with Alcohol Served
An unconventional aspect for an Indian fine dining Michelin-starred restaurant is that Jamavar London serves halal chicken and lamb, catering to specific dietary requirements, while also offering alcohol, which is not common in many Indian restaurants.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at Michelin-starred Jamavar in London reflect its pan-Indian culinary heritage and royal Indian dining inspiration:
Hampshire Lamb Shank: Used in their signature Laal Maas, a northern Indian mutton curry from Rajasthan, Jamavar substitutes traditional mutton with Hampshire lamb shank, slow-cooked to tender perfection, showcasing a refined take on a classic dish.
Halal Chicken and Lamb: These are staple proteins at Jamavar, prepared with authentic Indian techniques and regional spices, emphasizing quality and adherence to halal standards.
Local and Seasonal Ingredients: Culinary Director Surender Mohan emphasizes fresh, local produce alongside authentic Indian spices and techniques, ensuring vibrant pan-Indian flavors across the menu.
Traditional Indian Spices and Flavors: While not explicitly listed, Jamavar’s dishes are deeply rooted in Indian culinary traditions, using spices like cardamom, saffron, and garam masala, integral to their signature royal and regional dishes.
These ingredients are significant as they connect Jamavar’s menu to India’s rich culinary history, combining royal influences and family recipes with modern fine dining techniques to create a luxurious and authentic experience in London.