Jashn in Santa Clara offers a refined dining experience that celebrates Indian cuisine through a blend of authenticity and innovation, crafted by seasoned chefs with a passion for hospitality.
At Jashn, guests quickly realize they are in the capable hands of a team that understands the delicate balance between discipline and delight. The restaurant, an extension of the respected Jalsa Catering, brings a celebratory spirit to the dining experience, characterized by warmth, engagement, and an unmistakable sense of elevation.
Located in Santa Clara, Jashn marks a significant milestone for co-founders Vittal Shetty and Reshmi Nair. Both hail from Bangalore, where food and hospitality are integral to the culture, and they have successfully infused that sensibility into the Bay Area dining scene. Vittal, a graduate of Bangalore University and the Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, previously served as a corporate chef at Amber India for 12 years. Reshmi, with 15 years of experience in global hospitality, directed events and catering at Amber India, where she orchestrated memorable large-scale experiences. Together, they create a harmonious blend of innovation and warmth.
“For over 11 years, guests have celebrated our flavors through catering,” Vittal shared. “We always envisioned a place where people could sit, feel the energy, and experience our cuisine the way we imagined it. Jashn is that home.”
Upon entering Jashn, guests are welcomed into a space that exudes quiet elegance. The neutral-toned foyer sets a sophisticated tone, leading into a vast dining area that feels both spacious and intimate. Cozy nooks invite patrons to enjoy relaxed cocktails and small bites, while a chic swing adds a playful touch for Instagram moments. A dramatic fire feature frames the bar, anchoring the room’s design, which balances luxury with restraint. Golden chandeliers cast a soft glow against a matte black ceiling, illuminating tables adorned with white and moss-green glassware. Sculptural chairs and slatted wood panels create a rhythmic flow throughout the space, softened by lush greenery. A standout feature is the private dining room, highlighted by a striking mural created by a local artist, depicting a woman adorned in traditional Indian jewels. This intimate setting, paired with a rich wooden table and a sculptural chandelier, embodies an artful and upscale atmosphere.
Leading the culinary team is Executive Chef Siddhesh Parab, a veteran with experience in kitchens across India, Dubai, and the United States. His modern Indian cuisine is characterized by bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and meticulous plating. Chef Parab imports spices from India, ensuring authenticity in a distinctly contemporary menu.
The vegetarian small plates at Jashn are both inventive and refined. Notable dishes include the Three Roots Chaat, which features whipped yogurt mousse paired with taro and lotus root for a delightful textural experience. The Paneer Trilogy presents a trio of pressed cheeses enhanced with red chili, mint, and saffron, transforming a familiar ingredient into a sophisticated tasting experience. The Phaldari Akhrot Kakori, soft banana and walnut kebabs drizzled with cream cheese, offers a creative twist on classic flavors, while the Vada Bao provides a modern take on traditional street food.
A standout dish is the Reshmi Kebab, a vegetarian version of a traditionally meat-based dish, which is smooth, perfectly spiced, and melts in the mouth.
Among the non-vegetarian small plates, the Andhra-Style Chili Chicken and Squid & Clam Masala shine with their bold yet balanced spice profiles. The Laal Maas Tacos present regional Indian flavors in an unexpected, playful format. Each bite showcases Chef Vittal’s expertise in marrying authenticity with innovation, exemplified by the melt-in-your-mouth Goat Chop, perfectly complemented by a pear chutney.
Main courses at Jashn reflect the restaurant’s ethos of balance and refinement. The Kala Mutton and Chicken Donne Biryani are rich, aromatic, and expertly spiced, while the coastal-inspired Prawn Curry delivers a bright, tangy, and creamy balance. The White Butter Chicken stands out for its creamy texture, enhanced by a rare blend of four seeds known as charmagaz mixed with white makkhan (butter).
Vegetarian main courses include the Rajasthani-style Pinwheel Gatte Ki Sabzi in a flavorful tomato and onion gravy, and the Shishito Pepper Corn Kofta, which offers hearty yet nuanced flavors without heaviness.
Accompaniments such as fragrant Saffron Rice and crisp Assorted Papad complete the meal, while indulgent breads like the layered Chur Chur Naan, Bullet Naan (filled with chilis), and the cheesy Three Cheese Kulcha add to the culinary experience.
The bar program at Jashn mirrors the kitchen’s craftsmanship, with cocktails designed to complement the food rather than compete with it. The Amrit Glow combines rose-infused gin with cardamom, mango, and citrus for a refreshing lift, while the Vrindavan Bloom features rose whiskey, cinnamon, sage, and lime, finished with a hibiscus jelly garnish—a sophisticated balance of warmth and freshness.
Desserts at Jashn impress both visually and technically. The Rose Kulfi, adorned with petals and caviar, offers a dramatic tableside presentation. Meanwhile, the Pistachio Textures explores the nut in various forms—mousse, ice cream, soil, and ganache—paying homage to tradition in a deconstructed manner.
What stands out most about Jashn is its narrative restraint. The restaurant does not attempt to reinvent Indian cuisine, nor does it cling to nostalgia. Instead, it presents each dish with the quiet confidence of a kitchen that knows its craft. The flavors are bold yet balanced, the textures deliberate, and the overall impression is unmistakably refined. Every detail—from the thoughtfully curated menu to the refined bar program—reflects the founders’ commitment to excellence and storytelling. With its vibrant spirit and meticulous execution, Jashn is a remarkable addition to the contemporary Indian food scene in the Bay Area.
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