A Culinary Journey at Karigari: Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s Magic at Worldmark Gurugram
Exploring new restaurants is always an adventure, but visiting Karigari at Worldmark Gurugram was more than just a culinary experience—it was a journey through the diverse flavors of India. Inspired by Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s incredible culinary tales and his signature #NAMAKSHAMAK touch, every dish on the menu carries a story. From ancient traditions to regional delicacies, Karigari encapsulates a world of flavors in one place.
Here’s a glimpse into what I loved during my recent visit:
CORN SOUP BHOOT JHOLAKIA
This dish brought nostalgia and excitement in one bite! Borrowed from Chef Harpal’s popular TV show Turban Tadka, the creamy corn soup is infused with Indian herbs and spices. What makes it unforgettable is the subtle but fiery kick from Bhoot Jholakia, balanced beautifully with the freshness of living microgreens. It’s a perfect start for those who love bold flavors.
CHICKEN SAJJI
The Chicken Sajji stole the spotlight—a whole baby chicken slow-roasted to perfection. Chef Harpal’s twist on this dish, inspired by the streets of Lahore, includes home-ground spices that elevate the flavors. The tenderness of the meat and the smoky aroma made it a truly unforgettable delight.
CHICKEN TIKKA KHURCHAN
This one is a crowd-pleaser. Think juliennes of succulent chicken cooked with onion, tomato, and capsicum in a spicy onion-tomato gravy. The bold, tangy flavors and perfect balance of spices make it a dish you’ll keep coming back for.
PANEER NAZAKAT
Vegetarians are in for a treat with this dish. Soft paneer stuffed with tempered spinach, simmered in a rich tomato-onion gravy. The creamy texture and subtle spices made it a heartwarming choice.
MASOOR DAL DI ROTI & PEETHI WALI MASALA ROTI
These rustic rotis added a comforting, home-style touch to the meal. The Masoor Dal Di Roti paired wonderfully with the gravies, while the Peethi Wali Masala Roti, with its flavorful stuffing, was a standout on its own.
CHARCOAL CHEESE HOUSE SPECIAL NAAN
This naan is not just a bread—it’s a masterpiece. With its smoky aroma, cheesy goodness, and subtle hints of charcoal, it was the perfect accompaniment to the curries on the table.
MIRCHAAN WALA HALWA
Desserts are often the grand finale, and the Mirchaan Wala Halwa didn’t disappoint. A nod to Ayurveda, this halwa is a delightful surprise. The sweet heat from the mirch blended with traditional halwa ingredients is not just unique but also aids digestion, ensuring you leave with a happy stomach.
Why Karigari Stands Out
Karigari is more than a restaurant—it’s an ode to Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s travels, experiences, and love for Indian cuisine. Every dish tells a story, and every bite feels like a part of a larger journey. Whether it’s the flavors of undivided India or the Chef’s playful experiments, the menu brings diverse cultures to your plate.
I left Karigari with a full heart and a fuller stomach, excited to return and explore more of the menu. If you’re in Gurugram and looking for a meal that’s as soulful as it is flavorful, Karigari should be...
Read moreDuring my recent visit to Gurgaon, I had the opportunity to dine at Karigari, a premium fine dining restaurant owned by the renowned Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. Located within the WorldMark shopping center in Sector 65, Karigari primarily specializes in North Indian cuisine, with notable offerings from Hyderabadi and Andhra culinary styles, particularly in their starters and biryanis. The restaurant offers an ideal setting for family gatherings or a refined dining experience with friends.
The ambiance is tastefully designed, featuring elegant interiors and dim lighting that create a warm and inviting atmosphere—perfect for intimate dinners or special occasions. The menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including chicken, fish, and lamb dishes.
The menu is divided into various sections such as Kebab Shebab, Non-Veg Kebabs, Rotis and Breads, Curries/Tawa/Stir-Fry, and a unique “Healthy Tales from the Chef.” Additionally, it includes smaller bites under “Chota Moo Badi Baat,” with chaats, vada pavs, and patties, as well as their signature “Sab Samay Soya Samay Ji” soy-based dishes. The menu also features an assortment of biryanis, rice dishes, desserts, shakes, and their popular in-house Karigari Signature mocktails.
I tried the Paneer Margherita Tikka (₹525), Subz Biryani (₹575), and Bela Chameli Sharbat (₹195). All the dishes were impressive. The Subz Biryani, with its generous portion size, was perfect for two. Prepared in traditional Hyderabadi style with long-grain rice, it was flavorful and included a good mix of vegetables and paneer. The Paneer Margherita Tikka stood out with its succulent, juicy paneer chunks, which were well-marinated and cooked to perfection. The paneer was stuffed with yellow cheddar cheese, coated with pizza sauce, grilled in tandoor, topped with Moringa curry patta chutney.
The Bela Chameli Sharbat—a standout from their mocktail menu—was elegantly presented in a globe-shaped glass designed for couples, complete with dual straw openings. It carried a unique floral aroma and was described as “the most loved perfumed drink enjoyed by the Maharaj of Bikaner,” offering a refreshing Rajasthani touch.
While the overall experience was enjoyable, the service could be improved. There was a delay in serving the food, and both the starter and main course were brought out together, despite a prior request to serve the starter first. Additionally, the restaurant tends to get quite crowded during holidays, which may impact service times.
Overall, I had a delightful dining experience and look forward to visiting their Bangalore branch to explore their...
Read moreThe service is pathetic. The food is average to below average. The portion size is too small, and the waiters are not skilled enough to suggest the portion you should order.
I had one of the worst experiences with service. On Monday evening, not even the weekend, we booked the table prior on the phone, but when we reached there, they acted clueless about the booking. After 5 minutes, they gave us a table in this horrible gallery where there was an exit for Zomato and Swiggy delivery and for the staff in the back area. After every 5–10 minutes, they were opening the door to where we were sitting. Even the exit for the customer sitting in the centre was exactly behind that, and they made us move so that people could exit. Even all the waiters seem to be trainees rather than skilled employees.
After the bill came, I asked them to remove service tax as the service was not up to par; however, they told me that if I availed of the discountt from Zomato, I had to pay service tax. First of all, you are not supposed to levy service tax, and if you do, you can't refuse to remove the service tax. Why am I supposed to pay service tax for something I didn't enjoy at all? Then, after a little argument, they removed the service tax, but with such a bad attitude, as if I were asking them for free food.
My experience with NEHA, the manager, was the worst. She is a classic case study of how bad-behaved people in the service industry spoil the user experience.
She was standing near the exit while I was moving out. I approached her for feedback. However, she just, without listening to me, opened the gate and gave a look like 'get out'. I told her I was not eating this food for free; don't show me this attitude.
I will never recommend this pathetic...
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