Jimmy Rizvi, a restaurateur with two Manhattan Indian restaurants to his name, has opened a new venture in Jersey City. Punjab Meet House began serving customers last week on Newark Avenue, the main corridor for the city’s South Asian businesses.
Rizvi, who has lived in Jersey City for over two decades, is best known for GupShup in Gramercy and Bungalow in the East Village. Both restaurants have focused on contemporary Indian cuisine. Punjab Meet House, however, leans toward traditional Punjabi dishes, with an emphasis on grilled meats and vegetarian curries.
Lunch service on Monday saw a steady line for the restaurant’s keema pav and tandoori chicken. Prices for main dishes range from $16 to $26. The dining room, which seats about 60, has been busiest in the evenings, according to staff.
Jersey City’s Indian community is one of the largest in the region. Until now, most local restaurants catered to North and South Indian home-style cooking. Punjab Meet House marks the arrival of a chef-driven concept on a block known for sari shops and sweet stores. Rizvi says he wants to create a space for both families and younger diners. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.