When Food Becomes a Love Letter: A Father’s Day Feast at Jugnu Curated by Chef Ajay Chopra
With Father’s Day fast approaching, many of us are thinking of ways to honor our dads. While some plan thoughtful gifts or handwritten notes, others search for experiences that bring families closer together. But in Goa’s vibrant culinary village of Assagao, a very different — and deeply personal — celebration is taking shape.
Welcome to “My Father’s Table”, a heartfelt Father’s Day event hosted by Jugnu, the newest gem on Goa’s food map. Designed by Chef Ajay Chopra, this special feast goes far beyond typical dining. It’s an edible tribute, a menu of memories, and most of all, a love letter served on a plate.
For the first time ever, Chef Ajay is opening up a chapter of his life through food. He’s curated a limited-time menu inspired by his late father’s favorite dishes — not just what he ate, but what he cherished. This isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s an intentional act of remembrance, carefully plated with emotion and purpose.
“He was a vegetarian who never stopped me from cooking meat,” Chef Ajay shares.
“He stood by every choice I made — gently, silently, but completely. This menu is my thank-you to him — for letting me be who I am, without ever saying the words.”
So, what’s on the menu? Think shaadi wala veg pulao, a fragrant, spiced rice dish traditionally reserved for celebrations. Think mehmano ke liye chole, the kind of chickpea curry that welcomes guests like family. And of course, there’s a soul-soothing, slow-cooked Sunday mutton curry — the kind that stews with love, patience, and a touch of longing.
Every dish tells a story. Every spice has a memory. Every flavor is a gentle nod to the man who shaped Chef Ajay’s journey.
The Setting: Jugnu, Assagao’s Shining Light
“My Father’s Table” will unfold on Sunday, 15 June at Jugnu, a space that is as meaningful as the food it serves. Housed in a restored 160-year-old Portuguese bungalow, Jugnu — meaning firefly — glows with vintage charm and soulful energy.
The venue itself feels like a family heirloom, where creaky floorboards and sun-dappled courtyards whisper stories of the past. But it’s not just about atmosphere. Jugnu’s contemporary Indian cuisine, helmed by Chef Ajay, offers reimagined classics with bold flair.
From the lush alfresco dining spaces to a cascading waterfall and a bar that reinvents Indian ingredients, Jugnu isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a place that feels like home.
“This Father’s Day menu is very special to me,” says Vicky Bachani, co-founder of Jugnu.
“Not only is it a tribute to Chef Ajay Chopra’s father, but it also reflects the dishes that so many fathers love, which makes it even more meaningful.”
Vicky adds, “Food has always been one of my fondest memories with my father. He was an absolute foodie, and our family meals were filled with warmth, laughter, and life lessons. This menu celebrates those cherished moments.”
Not Just a Meal, But a Memory
But wait — there’s more. The event promises a festive vibe complete with live music, fun-filled Beer Olympics, and a gathering of families and food lovers. The energy will be warm, relaxed, and celebratory — exactly what Father’s Day should feel like.
So, whether you’re dining with your father, remembering him, or celebrating the role he played in your life, Jugnu offers something beautifully profound. It invites you to sit at a table of memories, to taste the legacy of love, and to share in a story that feels both intimate and universal.
Why This Event Matters
In an age of hurried brunches and pre-fixed menus, “My Father’s Table” stands apart. It doesn’t just serve food. It serves emotion. It doesn’t just aim to please the palate. It aims to touch the heart.
And perhaps, that’s what makes this event so resonant. Because all of us, in one way or another, carry our fathers with us — in how we cook, how we eat, and how we gather at the table.
Food, after all, is memory made edible. And this Father’s Day, Chef Ajay Chopra and Jugnu are giving us the most beautiful bite of all — a love letter disguised as dinner.
Event Details:
📍 Jugnu, 140, Bairo Alto, Assagao, Goa
📅 Sunday, 15 June
📞 +91 9766669304 / 9766669305
Highlights:
🎶 Live Music
🍻 Beer Games
🍛 Exclusive Set Menu by Chef Ajay Chopra
About Jugnu
Jugnu is not just a restaurant — it’s a mood, a memory, and a movement. Nestled in a 160-year-old Portuguese bungalow, this Assagao hotspot offers nostalgic yet modern Indian cuisine. With seasonal ingredients, global influences, and a flair for storytelling, Jugnu lights up the culinary scene like the firefly it’s named after.
Whether you’re a local Goan or just visiting for the weekend, Jugnu welcomes you with open arms — and an open kitchen.
So, this Father’s Day, skip the tie and the greeting card. Give your father a seat at My Father’s Table. Let food do the talking. Let memory be the menu. Let love be the aftertaste.
Because sometimes, the best way to say “I love you, Dad” is with a spoonful of something he once loved too.
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