Celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi recently opened his 12th restaurant, Karigiri, in Chandigarh. He understands that food is a very big part of Punjabi culture and has made a few additions to the new restaurant.
He said, “People wake up thinking about food, and after finishing one meal, they start thinking about the next. That is what Punjab is all about, and that is why I feel Punjab will always be exciting for us. In Chandigarh, we have created a great USP. For the first time, we have built a courtyard. The space allowed us to design something beautiful, so we created a courtyard attached to a closed restaurant.”
“This is something very unique in terms of interiors. We have also added a special bread bar. We were always known for our breads, but this time we have taken it a step further by creating a dedicated bread bar with 20 breads and 20 stories around them. This is one of the most unique offerings in Chandigarh,” he added.
And he revealed that they have also created a beautiful butter chicken story. He said, “Along with the classic butter chicken made with red ripe tomatoes, we also have a white butter chicken with a creamy texture and a green tomato butter chicken, which is more experimental. I got the confidence to include this because when Farah Khan visited my house for a home tour and cooking experience.”
“I made this green butter chicken for her. She loved it so much that she even took some home, and her children loved it too. That encouraged me to include it in our Chandigarh menu,” he added.
Chef Harpal further shared that they have many recipes inspired by legendary restaurants and places. He said, “My travels, my television shows, my mother’s kitchen, my father’s favorite dishes, my mother-in-law’s recipes, and my wife’s cooking. All of this comes together to create a storytelling menu, which people across the country have loved. That is our USP.”
“Our recipes are not just food; they carry stories and emotions, and that is why people connect with them. People today don’t just want to dine out; they want an experience. They want to feel the stories, enjoy the interiors, and connect with the space,” he added.
Talking about the interiors, he shared that they are very warm and inviting. He said, “We have dedicated walls to karigars, craftsmen, and creators. These include sportspeople, potters, artisans who make utensils, and those who do embroidery like Phulkari, which is popular in Punjab. We have also represented sports like Kabaddi and the people who play it.”
“Every corner has a story. Wherever you look, there is something to explore. Even our chandeliers are made of spoons, and they also tell a story. Overall, Karigiri is not just a place to eat; it is a place to feel stories and emotions,” he added.
