Founder Story
The Rare Story
Manish Nagar’s love for Indian food began long before he ever dreamed of Jala Indian Restaurant. Growing up in the vibrant streets of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he was immersed in the aromas of fresh spices and the sounds of a bustling kitchen alive with energy. At just 17, he opened Tulsi Dining Hall in Maninagar, a modest restaurant where each meal was crafted with love and steeped in Indian tradition. It was more than just a dining experience; it was where families came together, and neighbors became lifelong friends.
But Manish’s vision extended far beyond the local community. He knew that food had the power to transcend borders and create deeper connections. This belief brought him to Winter Park, Florida, where he opened Jala Indian Restaurant.
Manish’s journey is not just about one man’s ambition; it’s a tribute to the warmth and generosity of Indian hospitality. It’s about celebrating the traditional Indian dishes that shaped his childhood, while embracing new, innovative flavors that reflect the evolving global culinary landscape.
Vision for Indian Cuisine
Born in the bustling lanes of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Manish Nagar grew up surrounded by the aroma of spices, the rhythm of sizzling pans, and the joy that a good meal brings to a table full of people. At just 17, he opened Tulsi Dining Hall in Maninagar - a small restaurant with a big heart. It wasn’t just a place to eat. It was where neighbors became regulars, and recipes carried the warmth of home.
But Manish always believed food could do more. Travel farther. Speak louder. Connect deeper.
Years later, that belief took shape in Winter Park, Florida, with the birth of Jala Indian Restaurant. The name "Jala," meaning water in Sanskrit, captures the essence of Indian cuisine - pure, essential, ever-flowing. Just like water, these flavors move through generations, adapting with time while staying rooted in tradition.
Jala is where authentic Indian cooking meets fresh, seasonal innovation. Where every plate is a balance of heritage and finesse. From slow-simmered curries to char-grilled tandoori bites, each dish tells a story, one that began in a modest kitchen in Gujarat and now continues across continents.
At Jala, we don’t just serve food. We serve memories. We serve culture. We serve moments that linger long after the last bite.
This isn’t just Manish’s journey. It’s a tribute to the spirit of Indian hospitality. A celebration of the flavors we grew up with and the ones we’re still discovering.
Welcome to Jala. Where every meal is made with purpose. And every bite brings you home.