Cheltenham is no stranger to outstanding curry houses, some even ranked among the nation’s best. Yet, one local spot just outside town, Jai Ho, quietly earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand this year and remains a delightful secret for many.
Situated in Bishop’s Cleeve, roughly four miles north of Cheltenham, Jai Ho may seem unremarkable at first glance. Nestled between a Domino’s Pizza and a doctor’s surgery with a gym above, its location on a quiet housing estate feels unexpected for a Michelin-recognized restaurant. But step inside, and the cozy ambiance, warm lighting, and inviting aroma tell a different story.
I visited Jai Ho ahead of the Easter weekend with friends visiting from Switzerland. Admittedly, the unfamiliar location made me second-guess our choice. However, any doubts vanished with the first bite.
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Opened in January 2025, Jai Ho is the latest venture from JM Socials, a local group behind renowned Cheltenham restaurants like Privthi, recently named among the UK’s top 100 Indian eateries by the British Indian Good Food Guide. Jai Ho stands out as Gloucestershire’s only Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, an award celebrating quality cuisine at reasonable prices.
Prices here are refreshingly affordable, with starters and mains averaging just over £20 per person, excluding drinks. The menu offers traditional favorites such as papadams, onion bhajis, butter masala, and roghan ghosht, alongside a sharing-style Feast menu priced at £34.90 per person. The Feast provides a multi-course experience featuring snacks, appetizers, and individual plates served family-style. Although an excellent idea for groups, the requirement for all diners to participate can be limiting.
We opted for the standard menu, enjoying starters like bang bang cauliflower with curry mayo and savory potato and pea samosas. The mains impressed with dishes including a flavorful spicy chicken Chettinad, paneer in spicy tomato sauce, and a tender Kashmiri lamb rogan ghosht. Each plate was fresh, perfectly spiced, and satisfying without overwhelming heat—a plus for milder curry lovers.
Surprisingly, the dish that truly stole the show was the humble chicken biryani. My husband ordered it, but I happily shared—and regretted not ordering my own. The biryani featured fragrant aromatic rice infused with mint, ginger, and garlic, complemented by a side of rich biryani sauce. A hint of sweetness, likely from fruit mixed into the rice, made it irresistibly moreish. The generous portion ensured leftovers, making the £13 price even sweeter.
While the menu lacked traditional naan bread, diners can choose paratha as a buttery, flaky alternative. I preferred the paratha’s richness, though some in our group missed the naan. Taste is personal, and both make fine accompaniments.
To close the meal, each guest received a complimentary glass of hot chai tea—a first for me. Despite my usual picky palate, the chai was delightful and served as a perfect, soothing finale.
Jai Ho exceeded all my expectations. A charming, unpretentious restaurant with Michelin-quality food that’s easy on the wallet, it’s a culinary gem worth discovering—proving that great things often come in unexpected places.