A True Labor of Love: Karigari, the Gastronomic Destination of Nostalgia

Beginning of the year and it was decided without a contest to head to Karigari at the favorite  Worldmark, Sector 65, Gurgaon. There is some unique warmth about this fine dining eatery, located in the alley where some other diverse Eating out options like Vietnom, YouMee, Café Delhi Heights are located.    

Having been an ardent fan of Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi since his Turban Tadka days, where he gained massive popularity through his unique humorous way of cooking and creating easy-to-do recipes full of nostalgia and flavor. He is currently creating ripples through his expertise and some extra ‘Namak’ at the hugely popular Laughter Chef. Karigari, the restaurant somewhere mirrors his trademark genuine warmth. The ‘Namak Shamak’ Chef is not just inscribed on the walls, his signature is amply evident in the impeccable hospitality and the cuisine.

Upon entering you are instantly at ease with the comfortable seating and the 70s or the 80s Hindi hits playing. With the fast-paced life and the fast music that we have now, the cosy vibes instantly teleport you to that era, which is a therapeutic experience in itself. While hubby and daughter settled for a hearty chicken or Murgh shorba, just right to beat the shivering chill, I opted for the humble cutting chai. Served in the characteristic small glasses, Cutting chai is a popular Indian tea, originating from Mumbai, served in small glasses as a “cut” or half portion for a quick kick. There was a ‘Shaadiwali Coffee’ too, which I will try on my next visit.

Karigari leaves you spoilt for choice with their enormous range of beverages and medley of starters. Imagine embarking on this culinary voyage with Bela Chameli ka Sharbet or any of the beverage from different regions of India, fortified with a contemporary twist. Savour it with Karigari’s innovative range of appetizers. We selected Kulche Chole Pakode Packets, a modern twist to the quintessential street food that Chole Kulche is, across North India. I must say, this was the most delectable Chole Kulche variation I had ever eaten, having lived all these years in Saddi Dilli.

The main course is again replete with innovation and a taste that lingers on. Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s signature is evident in each flavor that you savour here. As is the vision of chef, that each food recipe served here is a storyteller and that’s what resonates, when you are dining at Karigari. Non-vegetarians will truly discover some gastronomic delights here with recipes inspired from different regions of India. Hubby ordered Chicken Seekhpa, soft chicken seekh kebabs tossed in green chutney and cream, which the chef found during his travel to Jalandhar and incorporated in the menu.  There are many delectable recipes from Punjab, each ready to ignite nostalgia and the tastebuds.

Daughter, who is as much an Indian sweet lover as is a western dessert fan, repeatedly desired for Kaali Gajar ka Halwa with Panjeeri. Whoa! What a finale to our grand gastronomic experience it proved to be. Served on a bed of rich Panjeeri, the heavenly halwa is topped with a pista crumble. Once you have relished the whole experience, you realize the ‘Karigari’ behind this legacy restaurant. The ‘karigari’ reflects in each small detail, whether it is the platter that your food is served on, the music being played or simply the food served with warmth, nostalgia, dollops of tradition and honest workmanship or the Karigari!