At Jadugar, dining is nothing short of enchanting. Inspired by the Hindi word Jadugar, meaning magician, the restaurant fuses bold Indian spices, modern techniques, and imaginative twists to create a truly magical experience.
Manjoj Shrestha, Siddarth Lama, Nitya Pathak and Pankaj Sharma.
Helmed by Chef Pathak, a culinary visionary with over 20 years of experience shaping some of Manchester’s most celebrated Indian restaurants, Jadugar is the realisation of his lifelong dream: a space where tradition meets innovation. Originally from Kolkata, Chef Pathak’s love for cooking began in his mother’s kitchen, mastering the rhythms of spice and flavour that define authentic Indian home cuisine. From humble beginnings as a head waiter at Delhi International Airport to leading kitchens across the UK, his journey is one of resilience, skill, and unwavering passion. Amongst many other restaurants, Chef Pathak was one of the founder members of Dilli in Altrincham.
Joining him is Co-founder Siddarth Yonzon, whose roots in the hill town of Darjeeling imbue the restaurant with heart and warmth. Together, they have created more than a restaurant – Jadugar is a celebration of culture, craft, and the wonder behind every dish.
On a Friday evening, we arrived to an almost full restaurant at 8.30pm. The décor is tasteful, contemporary, and atmospheric, with lighting that hits the perfect balance: warm and inviting, yet bright enough to savour every detail of the menu. As frequent diners of Chef Pathak’s previous restaurants, we trusted his recommendations – and he did not disappoint.
We began with Papadam and Chutney (£5.95) and the Crimson Crunch Spell (£4.95), a fiery mix of cashews and Bombay mixture with a honey glaze. Starters were a revelation: Rustic Hariyali Lamb Chops (£10.95) marinated in fresh herbs, garlic, and traditional spices, chargrilled to smoky perfection, and CocoGarlic Blaze (£13.95) – royal jumbo prawns with aromatic garlic, coconut, and subtle Indian spices.
Mains continued to impress. The Mangsho Kalia (£14.95), a Kolkata classic from Chef Pathak’s mother’s recipe, delivered tender lamb in a rich, slow-cooked gravy. The Coastal Jhinga (£17.95) showcased ocean-sweet prawns in a velvety coconut-tamarind curry, while Kohlapuri Chicken (£11.95) offered bold heat from roasted coconut, red chillies, and Kolhapuri masala. Accompanied by garlic-chilli naan and vegetable rice, each dish was perfectly spiced and deeply satisfying. Dessert was an indulgent Pistachio Kulfi, the ideal finale to a memorable evening.
Jadugar is more than a meal; it’s an experience – where every dish tells a story, the ambience enchants, and the service feels effortless yet personal. The music, the warmth, the flavours – it all comes together to create a night to remember. For those who cherish dining out as an art form, Jadugar is nothing short of magical.
Jadugar
24-26 Ashley Road, Altrincham, WA14 2DW
info@jadugar.co.uk / Tel: 0161 609 2350
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
