Jaan to Launch in Mina Zayed, Redefining Indian Cuisine Through Soul, Culture, and Modern Expression

A premium casual Indian dining concept rooted in heritage, home cooking and cultural storytelling.

ABU DHABI, ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, September 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Jaan, a premium casual Indian dining concept founded by British-Indian entrepreneur Zainab Talati, is set to launch on Wednesday 16th September 2026 in Mina Zayed, bringing a bold yet refined interpretation of Indian cuisine to one of Abu Dhabi's most historic and culturally rich districts.

Jaan marks the next chapter in Zainab's culinary journey and the second iteration of her original brand, Mama's Kitchen, which began as a home kitchen project in 2020 and evolved into a respected multi-format concept spanning catering, pop-ups, curated cultural events, and a presence within the ADNOC Headquarters food hall. Jaan will be the brand's first standalone restaurant, offering a fully immersive expression of its food, design, and philosophy.

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday–Thursday 3–10 pm
Friday–Sunday 3–11 pm
Monday Closed

“Jaan means ‘life’ and ‘soul’, and it reflects everything we believe in, love, heritage, and human connection,” says Founder Zainab Talati. “Born from Mama's Kitchen, the soul remains unchanged; this is simply a more elevated expression of the food I grew up with. Launching our first standalone restaurant in Mina Zayed feels deeply meaningful, as it has long been a place of culture and community. Jaan is about bringing people together through the shared love of great food, and we cannot wait to welcome both the community and visitors to Abu Dhabi.”

A Mission to Change Perceptions of Indian Cuisine

Jaan's mission is to make Indian food accessible to all, educating diners on its lightness, balance, and diversity while breaking long-held stereotypes. Through bold yet thoughtful flavours and immersive culinary experiences, the brand celebrates tradition with a modern twist, delivered with authenticity, creativity, and heart.

The brand's vision is to become a leading regional name in premium casual Indian dining, starting from Abu Dhabi and expanding across the GCC and Asia.

A Curated Cultural Destination in Mina Zayed

Set within the historic district of Mina Zayed, Jaan has been conceived as more than a restaurant, it is a cultural destination rooted in storytelling and craft. The interiors feature archival photography, hand-embroidered wallpaper created by Indian artisans, and thoughtfully layered design details that honour heritage through a contemporary lens.

Jaan offers limited indoor seating alongside outdoor seating, creating an intimate, neighbourhood-led dining experience. In addition, the restaurant introduces a dedicated street-facing window, ‘Bites by the Window’, where passers-by can order quick bites on the go, offering guests an authentic, live street food moment that reflects the energy and spontaneity of Indian food culture.

Food With Soul: From Home Recipes to Street Icons

Jaan's menu is inspired by home recipes Zainab grew up with, developed over years, dedicated entirely to refining flavours, techniques, and the guest experience.

Signature offerings include the Boombastic Biryani, vibrant Chaats, fresh and layered Monsoon Salads, and live grills inspired by the streets of Mumbai. Highlights also include Butter Chicken Fries and Jaan's famous Super Samosas, served in three distinctive flavours rooted in the comforting tastes and recipes of Zainab's childhood.

At the heart of the restaurant is a live chaat counter, where guests can enjoy popping pani puri and spinach crunch chaat.

Quality ingredients, balance, and authenticity underpin every dish.

About JAAN

Jaan is a premium casual Indian dining concept rooted in heritage, home cooking, and cultural storytelling. Born from Mama's Kitchen, the brand celebrates bold yet balanced flavours, quality ingredients, and immersive experiences that honour Indian street food through a modern lens.

About Zainab Talati

Zainab Talati is a British-Indian strategic communications leader, luxury brand architect, and 360° marketeer with an international career spanning London and the Middle East. She is known for building culturally resonant, commercially impactful luxury and premium brands through narrative-led strategy, creative excellence, and measurable ROI.

Previously, as Marketing Director at The Galleria Al Maryah Island (Gulf Related), Zainab played a pivotal role in repositioning the destination as a leading luxury and dining hub. She led the launch of its major expansion and delivered award-winning campaigns that drove sustained year-on-year growth across key commercial and brand metrics.

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