In the lush, bohemian bylanes of Assagao, Goa, a glowing new entry in the culinary scene is quietly rewriting the rules of destination dining. Jugnu, housed in a restored 160-year-old Portuguese villa, isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience designed to delight every sense.
From the moment you enter the space, there’s a sense of theatre at play. Tropical plants cascade from colonial verandahs, a waterfall hums in the background, and repurposed tree bark forms the skeleton of a dramatic bar. Each corner is curated, each light dimmed with intention. But this isn’t style over substance—far from it.
The concept comes from Sandeepraj Salian, a former IT engineer who turned his attention to hospitality with a cinematic vision. “We didn’t want to open just another restaurant,” he says. “We wanted to create a feeling—something that sparks joy and wonder, like watching a firefly on a summer night.” Partnering with Vicky Bachani, a hospitality professional with global experience in London’s top Indian restaurants, the duo brings together storytelling, structure, and service to offer something rare: a fine dining experience that feels personal, yet transportive.
The menu, under the direction of Chef Ajay Chopra, explores a rarely celebrated idea: that India belongs to the tropical belt. The result is a series of inventive dishes that are bold in flavour but grounded in comfort. Standouts include the Khandeshi Raani Noir—a slow-cooked black masala raan inspired by Maharashtra’s spice heritage—and the Watermelon Somtam, a refreshing riff on a Thai classic that sings with tropical nostalgia. The Jugnu Butter Chicken, meanwhile, pays homage to the legendary kitchens of Pandara Road in Delhi, with a depth and richness that lingers long after the last bite.
Equally creative are the cocktails, which echo the menu’s tropical-Indian blend. Whether it’s a lemongrass gin cooler or a tamarind-spiked sour, drinks are crafted not only for taste but visual flair—ideal for an Instagram generation that still appreciates a good pour.
Jugnu’s success goes beyond food and décor. With regular seasonal menus, cultural collaborations, live music nights, and chef’s table experiences, it taps into something deeper: community. The team engages directly with local creatives, adapts the menu based on feedback, and creates events that are more gathering than gimmick.
Jugnu doesn’t shout for attention—it glows. And like the firefly it’s named after, its charm lies in the way it lights up its corner of the world, softly, warmly, and with just the right amount of magic.
