Bengali American cafe with breakfast sandwiches, fried rice, and chai
























"At his daytime café Joyas, Avishar Barua serves unabashedly creative breakfast fare — notably a chutney-smothered breakfast sandwich — that reflects his cross-cultural sensibility and focus on bold flavor." - Katie Chang
"Head to Old Worthington and check out this laid-back Bengali American cafe brought to you by the same chef from Agni. Beverages range from milk chai to mochas made with rose water jaggery, but the short combo breakfast and lunch food menu is really the highlight. We love the simple breakfast sandwiches with bacon, cheesy eggs, and herb chutney, and the bigger dishes are also worth getting—especially fried rice with crispy chicken and Joya’s take on the kati roll with egg and lamb on griddle-fried paratha. After ordering at the counter, try snagging a seat in the narrow dining space (which gets crowded on the weekends), or head out front for a sidewalk seat." - erin edwards, kindra peach
"Head to Old Worthington and check out this laid-back Bengali American cafe brought to you by the same chef from Agni. Beverages range from milk chai to mochas made with rose water jaggery, but the short combo breakfast and lunch food menu is really the highlight. We love the simple breakfast sandwiches with bacon, cheesy eggs, and herb chutney, and the bigger dishes are also worth getting—especially fried rice with crispy chicken and Joya’s take on the kati roll with egg and lamb on griddle-fried paratha. After ordering at the counter, try snagging a seat in the narrow dining space (which gets crowded on the weekends), or head out front for a sidewalk seat." - Erin Edwards

"Columbus’s own celebrity chef Avishar Barua is at the helm of this small counter spot. An alum of Top Chef and Service Bar, the chef performs an ode to his Bengali American heritage, combining influences from Asia, American fast food, and his own roots. Crowds line up for the crispy kati roll featuring lamb and maple chaat yogurt in a freshly baked paratha, the twice-fried crispy chicken sandwich slathered in sticky Manchurian glaze, and the signature spiced nitro chai. Check out the daily specials, which might include the signature twist on a Scotch egg, a spiced up Rice Krispie treat, and a rotation of cookies and other treats." - Angela Lee


"Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions, while contributing positively to their broader community." - Hillary Dixler Canavan