Must-tries: Southern Indian fare at JHOL

When talking about JHOL, this new hub of haute Indian cuisine needs no real introduction.

But just in case you haven’t heard about the greatness of this Indian food haven already, we’ll fill you in about why all Indian food devotees need to make a pit stop here right now.

Indian food as we know it boasts bold flavours and sizzling spiciness already. But multiply by ten the deliciousness for this haunt. Highlighting the lesser common southern coastal Indian cuisine, JHOL serves Indian staples with a haute-cuisine sophistication, leaving your eyes captivated and your palates with a mouth-walloping taste that’s familiar yet new and unique.

Chef Hari Nayak, who’s also an acclaimed author of various Indian cookbooks and a celebrated restauranteur, is the mastermind behind JHOL. So expect nothing less than a gold-standard of taste and presentation when dining here. Recently, we had a chance to check out the space and tried some of the best dishes JHOL has to offer. Here’s a list of must-tries you need to order when you visit.

Pani Puri (THB 290)

A staple street snack, pani puri consists of a crispy hallowed shell (puri) stuffed with a mixture of potato, onion, and chickpea, but here its gets an elevated upgrade, with the additions of jicama (Mexican turnip) shreds, avocado, and a spicy and sour water spiked with passion fruit. Packed with a punch of brightness, the snacks serve as a perfectly refreshing appetiser for the meal here.

Mini Appam (THB 380)

Like parents, we have our favourite here. Amongst all the must-tries we’ve listed here, this one absolutely tops our list thanks to its umami-loaded flavours and heartiness. The mouth-walloping young jackfruit mixture is served atop crunchy shells and topped with purple potato crisp. The juicy jackfruit mix makes the bottom of the shell a little soggy, whilst the edge stays wonderfully crispy, giving the dish a contrast of textures. It is to be eaten like a taco to make sure you get a bit of everything in one bite.

Masala Maska Bun (THB 190)

Let’s admit it: one of the best things about dining out at a restaurant is the warm bread basket served with a knob of room-temp butter. But expect no average bread & butter at JHOL. The venue churns out a Masala Maska Bun served with pav bhaji butter inspired by India’s popular street snack of the same name. Combining sassy spices with the satisfying feeling of eating bread with curry, carb lovers, be sure not to miss out on this one.

Ghee Roast Chicken (THB 520)

Indulge in your love for dosa through this dish of Ghee Roast Chicken seasoned heavily (yet heavenly) with Kundapur red masala powder and served with the crispy dosa cone. The fermented rice and lentil crepe can be used to mop up every last bit of the succulent curry. 

Mango Kulfi (THB 290)

Not into regular mango sorbet? This Mango Kulfi should then be your move. Here, Indian frozen dairy treat Kulfi is made with a puree of Nam Dok Mai mangoes, Valrhona chocolate, and cardamom for a hint of sweetness. Then, it is served with a dollop of kaffir lime-spiked cream and fennel seed and pistachio crumble for a herbaceous kick. Delicious.

JHOL, 7 2 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Bangkok, +662 004 7174; Open: Mon-Sun, 12-3 pm for lunch and 6:30-10:30 pm for dinner.