Chef Avishar Barua Brings Joya’s Cafe to Old Worthington

While Worthington has certainly missed Sassafras Bakery downtown, we’ve been rewarded with a worthy replacement: Joya’s Cafe! Joya’s has brought a creative menu of coffee, sandwiches, fried rice, and other delights from chef and owner Avishar Barua.

Barua named the cafe for his mother, who can sometimes be spotted in the kitchen or running food. He was previously chef at Service Bar, the eatery attached to Middle West Spirits in the Short North, and just recently competed on season 18 of Bravo’s Top Chef – the first Columbus-area chef to appear on the show!

Joya’s Cafe is described as “A Seriously Fun Bengali American Daytime Cafe,” and draws on Barua’s heritage to reimagine familiar dishes. It’s open Wednesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving a full coffee and tea menu, plus breakfast and lunch.

The space has been given a makeover to include a long counter that overlooks the coffee bar, a smaller counter along the wall, a trio of cafe tables, plus a handful of seats out front.

If it’s your first time there, a good start is the coffee menu, where local roaster Thunderkiss Coffee provides the beans for everything from drip coffee to espresso drinks to nitro cold brew. House specialties include a range of hot and iced teas, from Joya’s milk chai made with her own recipe; a nitro chai made with maple, malted milk, and a Barua family masala spice; or a Thai iced tea made with a sweetened black tea and Woodruff Farms half and half.

The menu at Joya’s is small but mighty, and currently features seven items:

  • A breakfast sandwich

  • A crispy chicken Manchurian sandwich

  • Joya’s Toast in a Cup, combining toasted bread, a Bengali omelet, pepperjack, pork roll, and sauces

  • A pair of cheesy double crunches, one of Barua’s signature dishes that’s an homage to long-time fast food favorites

  • A kati roll with lamb

  • Joya’s fried rice

  • Not Pad Thai

Note that many items on the menu can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free. The regular menu is supplemented by a rotating collection of smaller savory goodies like samosas and egg chops (similar to Scotch eggs) and baked goods like donuts, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies.

There are no bad picks on the menu, but first-timers should try the breakfast sandwich, the cheesy double crunch, or the fried rice! Each dish is packed with rich flavors and unexpected pairings. It seems like each dish has developed its own cheering section on social media.

While regular operations at the cafe focus on breakfast and lunch, the team also uses it for special evening events. So be on the lookout for unique dinners and other gatherings offered by Barua!

If the lines are anything to judge by, Joya’s has been warmly welcomed by Worthington! The next time you’re visiting Old Worthington for coffee or a quick meal, or shopping the farmers market, be sure to make Joya’s a stop.

Joya’s Cafe

657 High St.

Worthington, OH 43085

(614) 468-1232

Find them online at eatatjoyas.com and on Instagram at @eatatjoyas. Keep up with Barua on Instagram at @avishar.

Nicholas Dekker