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Started By
Message
Pleasant Surprise. Learned Spice Junction is the new Swagat
Posted on 7/8/26 at 8:32 am
Posted on 7/8/26 at 8:32 am
For the Baton Rouge folks.
Wife and I went out for dinner last night and decided to try the new Indian place, Spice Junction, on the corner of Coursey and Sherwood. For a random Tuesday, they were packed and we sat at the bar to eat.
Food was absolutely fantastic and prices were great as well. Vegetable platter for an app (samosa, pakora, papdi chat), butter chicken, and bhindi dopiaza - which was one of the best okra dishes I've ever had.
We started chatting with the owner and learned her husband used to be the head cook at Bay Leaf and then they opened Swagat. They sold it so he could spend more time with his son and once his son graduated high school they decided to open another restaurant.
Swagat used to be our favorite and it went downhill bad, so the fact that it's back in some form has really made us happy. Anyway, great food, super nice people so please consider supporting Spice Junction.
Wife and I went out for dinner last night and decided to try the new Indian place, Spice Junction, on the corner of Coursey and Sherwood. For a random Tuesday, they were packed and we sat at the bar to eat.
Food was absolutely fantastic and prices were great as well. Vegetable platter for an app (samosa, pakora, papdi chat), butter chicken, and bhindi dopiaza - which was one of the best okra dishes I've ever had.
We started chatting with the owner and learned her husband used to be the head cook at Bay Leaf and then they opened Swagat. They sold it so he could spend more time with his son and once his son graduated high school they decided to open another restaurant.
Swagat used to be our favorite and it went downhill bad, so the fact that it's back in some form has really made us happy. Anyway, great food, super nice people so please consider supporting Spice Junction.
4
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:11 am to LSUZombie
I noticed that building being renovated a while back and was wondering what was going there. Pumped to try it out
Posted on 7/8/26 at 9:49 am to LSUZombie
How has Swagat gone downhill? I have had it about 6 times this year and never had an issue with each visit.
I have heard from a few that SJ taste the exact same as Swagat. I know not really realted but I can personally confirm the dishes that we got from Swagat and Gunpowder were the exact same. Just seems like 1 local Indian family is trying to open many of the same restaurants under different names. Which I am not mad at, just pointing it out. Love Indian food.
I have heard from a few that SJ taste the exact same as Swagat. I know not really realted but I can personally confirm the dishes that we got from Swagat and Gunpowder were the exact same. Just seems like 1 local Indian family is trying to open many of the same restaurants under different names. Which I am not mad at, just pointing it out. Love Indian food.
This post was edited on 7/8/26 at 9:51 am
Posted on 7/8/26 at 10:03 am to LSUZombie
Its great, same Swagat quality.
Really hope this place takes off.
Really hope this place takes off.
Posted on 7/8/26 at 10:51 am to Roy Curado
quote:
How has Swagat gone downhill? I have had it about 6 times this year and never had an issue with each visit
We've had it a few times recently, and it has been good. I like Al Noor better, but I'm happy with either
Posted on 7/8/26 at 1:35 pm to Roy Curado
quote:
How has Swagat gone downhill? I have had it about 6 times this year and never had an issue with each visit.
We used to go to Swagat all the time and didn't realize it had been sold. After two very bad visits with honestly terrible food, we never went back. Then Al Noor opened and we went there because they are very good.
But Spice Junction is now closer to my home so that'll be the new go-to place.
Posted on 7/8/26 at 2:21 pm to LSUZombie
I thought the new swaggat was Aroma on Lee.
I heard that on here I think and I asked the guy who sat us. He confirmed it and he said they did a tweaking of all the recipes.
It’s fantastic. The lady loves it.
I heard that on here I think and I asked the guy who sat us. He confirmed it and he said they did a tweaking of all the recipes.
It’s fantastic. The lady loves it.
Posted on 7/8/26 at 4:26 pm to HebertFest08
I’ve heard both things. Aroma and SJ.
Posted on 7/8/26 at 7:45 pm to Prosecuted Collins
quote:
I’ve heard both things. Aroma and SJ.
Same. I may have even posted it here about Aroma after hearing it.
But it confused me too much which place was them or not, so I stopped trying to keep track. Haha.
Posted on 7/8/26 at 10:18 pm to LouisianaLady
I asked the guy at Aroma and he confirmed.
He was pretty specific with regards to what changed. All I know is the Rogan Josh is fantastic and the honey chili cauliflower is good too.
I think I recognized the lady that came out the back and checked on us too.
shite…. Maybe there was a split of owners.
He was pretty specific with regards to what changed. All I know is the Rogan Josh is fantastic and the honey chili cauliflower is good too.
I think I recognized the lady that came out the back and checked on us too.
shite…. Maybe there was a split of owners.
Posted on 7/9/26 at 9:28 am to HebertFest08
We visited a few weeks ago. The food was great. They were still figuring out the bar but they did have beer wine and some liquor.
From behind the advocates paywall:
A new Indian restaurant soft opened May 15 with a menu serving tandoori chicken, garlic naan, lamb biryani and more.
Spice Junction, located at 11777 Coursey Blvd., in Baton Rouge, is near Homakase, the sushi restaurant that opened last year. The Indian restaurant aims to have lower prices compared to other eateries in the city, according to co-owner and chef Choudary Mallipudi, who used to own Swagat in Baton Rouge until he sold it three years ago.
“Our goal is to help the community,” Mallipudi said. “We want to build a healthy community. That’s all we want.”
Inside the former Boil and Roux in Baton Rouge, a new Indian restaurant just opened its doors
BY MADDIE SCOTT | Staff writer May 20, 2026
Every dish is Mallipudi’s own recipe, and all of the spices are sourced from Fashion India and Grocery, conveniently located across the street.
Starting with appetizers, the menu has seven vegetarian starters like the samosas stuffed with potatoes and peas and spicy cauliflower bites called Gobi 65. For something meaty, there are appetizers like chicken wings, apollo fish or the naanwich, which has chicken, aloo, paneer and shrimp wrapped in naan.
All entrees are served with rice and bread upon request, Mallipudi said.
Entrees include curries (with 12 different sauce options), soups, tandoori, biryani, bowls and house specialties. There’s the achari paneer tikka, a tangy dish with spiced paneer tikka (an Indian cheese) infused with pickle flavors. From the selection of chef’s specialties, there's the masaledar lamb chops that are grilled and rubbed in spices.
Achari Paneer Tikka from Spice Junction
Mallipudi said some menu items allow customers to try components of multiple dishes for a lower price. For example, there’s the sweet thali, a dish that includes four desserts for $9.99. The bowl junction ($19.99) is also a good deal, he said, where customers can get a protein, curry sauce, rice, lentils and bread.
“If they eat dinner here, there’s enough for lunch also,” he said.
The bar will eventually serve beer, wine and alcohol once the restaurant obtains a liquor license, Mallipudi said. He hopes this will be finalized next week, and if so, the restaurant will have its grand opening.
Mallipudi and co-owner Raj Singh bought the 5,400-square-foot property about a year ago, which was formerly Boil and Roux. After construction gutted the insides and replaced the roof, every surface is new, from the drywall to the light fixtures.
“We finished the job,” Mallipudi said. “New drywalls, new roof even. Everything is new.”
After undergoing construction for the past year, Spice Junction in Baton Rouge just soft opened and can seat 30 people inside, pictured here on May 18, 2026.
It’s like a new home, he said. Inside, the interior was designed by Singh’s wife and features hues of mocha and beige in the bar shelves and rattan chairs. The dining space seats about 30, and the outside patio can seat another 36.
The restaurant also has a private events space spanning 1,650 square feet that can accommodate 60 to 70 people. Those interested can book the space on Spice Junction’s website.
Spice Junction, 11777 Coursey Blvd., Baton Rouge. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
From behind the advocates paywall:
A new Indian restaurant soft opened May 15 with a menu serving tandoori chicken, garlic naan, lamb biryani and more.
Spice Junction, located at 11777 Coursey Blvd., in Baton Rouge, is near Homakase, the sushi restaurant that opened last year. The Indian restaurant aims to have lower prices compared to other eateries in the city, according to co-owner and chef Choudary Mallipudi, who used to own Swagat in Baton Rouge until he sold it three years ago.
“Our goal is to help the community,” Mallipudi said. “We want to build a healthy community. That’s all we want.”
Inside the former Boil and Roux in Baton Rouge, a new Indian restaurant just opened its doors
BY MADDIE SCOTT | Staff writer May 20, 2026
Every dish is Mallipudi’s own recipe, and all of the spices are sourced from Fashion India and Grocery, conveniently located across the street.
Starting with appetizers, the menu has seven vegetarian starters like the samosas stuffed with potatoes and peas and spicy cauliflower bites called Gobi 65. For something meaty, there are appetizers like chicken wings, apollo fish or the naanwich, which has chicken, aloo, paneer and shrimp wrapped in naan.
All entrees are served with rice and bread upon request, Mallipudi said.
Entrees include curries (with 12 different sauce options), soups, tandoori, biryani, bowls and house specialties. There’s the achari paneer tikka, a tangy dish with spiced paneer tikka (an Indian cheese) infused with pickle flavors. From the selection of chef’s specialties, there's the masaledar lamb chops that are grilled and rubbed in spices.
Achari Paneer Tikka from Spice Junction
Mallipudi said some menu items allow customers to try components of multiple dishes for a lower price. For example, there’s the sweet thali, a dish that includes four desserts for $9.99. The bowl junction ($19.99) is also a good deal, he said, where customers can get a protein, curry sauce, rice, lentils and bread.
“If they eat dinner here, there’s enough for lunch also,” he said.
The bar will eventually serve beer, wine and alcohol once the restaurant obtains a liquor license, Mallipudi said. He hopes this will be finalized next week, and if so, the restaurant will have its grand opening.
Mallipudi and co-owner Raj Singh bought the 5,400-square-foot property about a year ago, which was formerly Boil and Roux. After construction gutted the insides and replaced the roof, every surface is new, from the drywall to the light fixtures.
“We finished the job,” Mallipudi said. “New drywalls, new roof even. Everything is new.”
After undergoing construction for the past year, Spice Junction in Baton Rouge just soft opened and can seat 30 people inside, pictured here on May 18, 2026.
It’s like a new home, he said. Inside, the interior was designed by Singh’s wife and features hues of mocha and beige in the bar shelves and rattan chairs. The dining space seats about 30, and the outside patio can seat another 36.
The restaurant also has a private events space spanning 1,650 square feet that can accommodate 60 to 70 people. Those interested can book the space on Spice Junction’s website.
Spice Junction, 11777 Coursey Blvd., Baton Rouge. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Posted on 7/9/26 at 9:28 am to HebertFest08
We visited a few weeks ago. The food was great. They were still figuring out the bar but they did have beer wine and some liquor.
From behind the advocates paywall:
A new Indian restaurant soft opened May 15 with a menu serving tandoori chicken, garlic naan, lamb biryani and more.
Spice Junction, located at 11777 Coursey Blvd., in Baton Rouge, is near Homakase, the sushi restaurant that opened last year. The Indian restaurant aims to have lower prices compared to other eateries in the city, according to co-owner and chef Choudary Mallipudi, who used to own Swagat in Baton Rouge until he sold it three years ago.
“Our goal is to help the community,” Mallipudi said. “We want to build a healthy community. That’s all we want.”
Inside the former Boil and Roux in Baton Rouge, a new Indian restaurant just opened its doors
BY MADDIE SCOTT | Staff writer May 20, 2026
Every dish is Mallipudi’s own recipe, and all of the spices are sourced from Fashion India and Grocery, conveniently located across the street.
Starting with appetizers, the menu has seven vegetarian starters like the samosas stuffed with potatoes and peas and spicy cauliflower bites called Gobi 65. For something meaty, there are appetizers like chicken wings, apollo fish or the naanwich, which has chicken, aloo, paneer and shrimp wrapped in naan.
All entrees are served with rice and bread upon request, Mallipudi said.
Entrees include curries (with 12 different sauce options), soups, tandoori, biryani, bowls and house specialties. There’s the achari paneer tikka, a tangy dish with spiced paneer tikka (an Indian cheese) infused with pickle flavors. From the selection of chef’s specialties, there's the masaledar lamb chops that are grilled and rubbed in spices.
Achari Paneer Tikka from Spice Junction
Mallipudi said some menu items allow customers to try components of multiple dishes for a lower price. For example, there’s the sweet thali, a dish that includes four desserts for $9.99. The bowl junction ($19.99) is also a good deal, he said, where customers can get a protein, curry sauce, rice, lentils and bread.
“If they eat dinner here, there’s enough for lunch also,” he said.
The bar will eventually serve beer, wine and alcohol once the restaurant obtains a liquor license, Mallipudi said. He hopes this will be finalized next week, and if so, the restaurant will have its grand opening.
Mallipudi and co-owner Raj Singh bought the 5,400-square-foot property about a year ago, which was formerly Boil and Roux. After construction gutted the insides and replaced the roof, every surface is new, from the drywall to the light fixtures.
“We finished the job,” Mallipudi said. “New drywalls, new roof even. Everything is new.”
After undergoing construction for the past year, Spice Junction in Baton Rouge just soft opened and can seat 30 people inside, pictured here on May 18, 2026.
It’s like a new home, he said. Inside, the interior was designed by Singh’s wife and features hues of mocha and beige in the bar shelves and rattan chairs. The dining space seats about 30, and the outside patio can seat another 36.
The restaurant also has a private events space spanning 1,650 square feet that can accommodate 60 to 70 people. Those interested can book the space on Spice Junction’s website.
Spice Junction, 11777 Coursey Blvd., Baton Rouge. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
From behind the advocates paywall:
A new Indian restaurant soft opened May 15 with a menu serving tandoori chicken, garlic naan, lamb biryani and more.
Spice Junction, located at 11777 Coursey Blvd., in Baton Rouge, is near Homakase, the sushi restaurant that opened last year. The Indian restaurant aims to have lower prices compared to other eateries in the city, according to co-owner and chef Choudary Mallipudi, who used to own Swagat in Baton Rouge until he sold it three years ago.
“Our goal is to help the community,” Mallipudi said. “We want to build a healthy community. That’s all we want.”
Inside the former Boil and Roux in Baton Rouge, a new Indian restaurant just opened its doors
BY MADDIE SCOTT | Staff writer May 20, 2026
Every dish is Mallipudi’s own recipe, and all of the spices are sourced from Fashion India and Grocery, conveniently located across the street.
Starting with appetizers, the menu has seven vegetarian starters like the samosas stuffed with potatoes and peas and spicy cauliflower bites called Gobi 65. For something meaty, there are appetizers like chicken wings, apollo fish or the naanwich, which has chicken, aloo, paneer and shrimp wrapped in naan.
All entrees are served with rice and bread upon request, Mallipudi said.
Entrees include curries (with 12 different sauce options), soups, tandoori, biryani, bowls and house specialties. There’s the achari paneer tikka, a tangy dish with spiced paneer tikka (an Indian cheese) infused with pickle flavors. From the selection of chef’s specialties, there's the masaledar lamb chops that are grilled and rubbed in spices.
Achari Paneer Tikka from Spice Junction
Mallipudi said some menu items allow customers to try components of multiple dishes for a lower price. For example, there’s the sweet thali, a dish that includes four desserts for $9.99. The bowl junction ($19.99) is also a good deal, he said, where customers can get a protein, curry sauce, rice, lentils and bread.
“If they eat dinner here, there’s enough for lunch also,” he said.
The bar will eventually serve beer, wine and alcohol once the restaurant obtains a liquor license, Mallipudi said. He hopes this will be finalized next week, and if so, the restaurant will have its grand opening.
Mallipudi and co-owner Raj Singh bought the 5,400-square-foot property about a year ago, which was formerly Boil and Roux. After construction gutted the insides and replaced the roof, every surface is new, from the drywall to the light fixtures.
“We finished the job,” Mallipudi said. “New drywalls, new roof even. Everything is new.”
After undergoing construction for the past year, Spice Junction in Baton Rouge just soft opened and can seat 30 people inside, pictured here on May 18, 2026.
It’s like a new home, he said. Inside, the interior was designed by Singh’s wife and features hues of mocha and beige in the bar shelves and rattan chairs. The dining space seats about 30, and the outside patio can seat another 36.
The restaurant also has a private events space spanning 1,650 square feet that can accommodate 60 to 70 people. Those interested can book the space on Spice Junction’s website.
Spice Junction, 11777 Coursey Blvd., Baton Rouge. Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Posted on 7/9/26 at 9:55 am to Sir Drinksalot
We went a couple weeks ago for lunch on a Friday. Although the food was excellent, the service was lacking. The one waitress was overwhelmed and then another worker started helping, but still service was slow. Tables weren't getting cleared and customers were waiting to be seated. Maybe someone called in sick that day?
Posted on 7/10/26 at 10:12 am to r3lay3r
So both owners owned Swagat at some point?
The original owner (when it was great) is at Spice Junction. The subsequent owner to 3 years ago is at Aroma. And Swagat has new owners.
The original owner (when it was great) is at Spice Junction. The subsequent owner to 3 years ago is at Aroma. And Swagat has new owners.
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