From a young age, Gurnam Singh discovered his passion for cooking, which would later develop into an obsession with organic and Halal ingredients. For over 20 years he has been an East Bay authority on Indian cuisine, which eventually allowed him to pursue his dream of opening his own restaurant in 2017.
Named after his two children, Jot Mahal is nestled in the Gourmet Ghetto at the corner of Shattuck and Cedar. Located between the renowned Chez Panisse and the soon-to-open Farmhouse Kitchen, the restaurant stands out in the heart of a community with some of the best restaurants in the bay area. Jot Mahal, however, achieves the feeling of enjoying a home-cooked meal in a neighbor’s dining room.
My kids always insist on three things at any Indian restaurant: Mango Lassi, Chicken Tikka Masala, and freshly baked naan. Of course, Jot Mahal didn’t disappoint, with fluffy naan straight from the oven, perfectly accompanying a tikka masala cooked with the same commitment to quality as with all of the dishes on the menu and the fruity, yogurt-based lassi is the ideal drink to cool down their young palettes.
The Karahi Lamb, a staff recommendation, took center stage for me. Sautéed with fresh bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, ginger, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish was nostalgic. The rich spiciness transported me back to my travels to India and the bustling streets of Old Delhi. The heat sent tingling sensations down my spine, leaving a warm and satisfying afterglow where an icy, extra-large Kingfisher beer offers a refreshing respite.
One of Jot Mahal's signature dishes, the Vegetable Korma, has undergone an evolution to cater to a wider audience. Traditionally prepared with nuts, Singh decided to phase them out and strike a balance between yogurt, coconut, spices, and tomatoes. This thoughtful adaptation not only ensured that the dish remained accessible to those with nut allergies but also enhanced its overall taste and texture.
Gurnam Singh's journey from a childhood fascination with food to becoming the proprietor of Jot Mahal is a testament to his dedication and commitment especially as it continues to recover from the challenges of the pandemic. By drawing inspiration from his family and infusing his dishes with the best ingredients, he has carved a unique niche for his restaurant in the vibrant culinary community of the Gourmet Ghetto.
Singh dropped by our table as usual towards the end of our meal and we gladly gave our compliments. A dedicated family man himself, he was happy to see our kids satisfied, which is when he proudly offered one more perk…access to his soft-serve ice cream machine! A chocolate and vanilla swirl, perhaps not traditional, was still a perfect end to the meal.
Jot Mahal
1543 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: +1 510-848-9664
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