
The food at Jyoti / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
In its native Sanskrit, "Jyoti" translates simply to a light of warmth and welcoming. Located a short walk from exit 1 of Sinchon Station on Seoul Metro Line 2, Jyoti Indian Restaurant is one of Seoul’s finest authentic Indian/Nepalese establishments. Since opening in 2009, Jyoti has beckoned Indian food lovers towards the light with its authentic flavors, warm hospitality and unrelenting commitment to quality.
Jyoti offers an extensive lineup of vegetarian, non-vegetarian and halal options. From traditional curries bursting with robust flavors, to tandoori delights cooked to sweet perfection, Jyoti promises a remarkable dining experience that won’t break the bank. Whether you are a connoisseur of Indian cuisine or a curious explorer seeking new taste sensations, Jyoti is always a treat, but here are a few recommendations to get you started.
For starters, the Vegetable Pakora, a medley of vegetables coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection, is as popular as it is delicious. The potatoes, onions and spinach each lend a distinctive texture and flavor to the dish, but the real magic unfolds in the frying process. The batter is always crispy and delicious. Pro tip, dip your pakoras in the green sauce — it’s a cilantro mint chutney and it’s absolutely the perfect companion.

Jyoti's Vegetable Pakoras / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
Among the menu's many highlights, the Chicken Tikka Masala stands out as a signature dish, earning Jyoti a devoted following with its truly exceptional flavor. They marinate chunks of tender chicken with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander and garam masala, which are then grilled to perfection. The tomato-based curry sauce is infused with aromatic herbs which elevate this dish to culinary excellence. The creamy tomato sauce, along with the marriage of all these spices, imparts a delightful depth of flavor that keeps patrons calling.

Jyoti's Chicken Tikka Masala
A beloved favorite of vegetarians, the Palak Paneer features cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) smothered in a vibrant spinach-based curry. Jyoti sautes finely pureed spinach with cumin, garam masala and fenugreek leaves to give it a rich aroma. The velvety texture of the spinach, when coupled with the mild, chewy paneer cubes, creates a flawless balance of creaminess and earthy flavors. The Palak Paneer is really nutritious in addition to being so incredibly delicious.
Jyoti's popularity extends beyond its culinary prowess. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with its impeccable service, has made it into a beloved neighborhood gem. They are open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. If you're near Sinchon, you can skip the queue, pay online and place pickup or delivery orders using the Shuttle app or by visiting shuttledelivery.co.kr.
Mark Boesch is co-founder and chief marketing officer of Shuttle Delivery.