Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi Launches Karigiri in Chandigarh with Courtyard & Bread Bar

Chandigarh, March 2026 – Celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi has added another feather to his cap with the launch of his 12th restaurant, Karigiri, in Chandigarh. Known for his deep connection with Punjabi cuisine and his ability to turn every dish into a memorable story, Chef Harpal has created a dining space that goes far beyond food — blending culture, emotion, and unique experiences.

Speaking about the new venture, Chef Harpal highlighted Punjab’s passionate relationship with food. “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,” he said with a smile.

For Karigiri, the team has introduced several distinctive features tailored to Chandigarh’s dining scene. “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,” Chef Harpal shared. This thoughtful addition offers diners a refreshing blend of open-air charm and comfortable indoor seating, making it a unique proposition in the city’s restaurant landscape.

Another standout element is the dedicated bread bar — a first-of-its-kind offering in Chandigarh. “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 proudly.

The menu also features an interesting butter chicken trilogy that reflects both tradition and experimentation. Alongside the classic butter chicken made with red ripe tomatoes, guests can try a creamy white butter chicken and an experimental green tomato butter chicken. Chef Harpal revealed that the confidence to include the green version came from a personal experience. “I made this green butter chicken for Farah Khan when she visited my house for a home tour and cooking experience. 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 recalled.

What sets Karigiri apart, according to the chef, is its storytelling approach to food. The menu draws inspiration from Chef Harpal’s rich personal journey — his travels, popular television shows, his mother’s kitchen, his father’s favourite dishes, his mother-in-law’s recipes, and his wife’s cooking. “All of this comes together to create a storytelling menu, which people across the country have loved. That is our USP,” he explained.

“Our recipes are not just food; they carry stories and emotions, and that is why people connect with them,” Chef Harpal emphasised. “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.”

The interiors of Karigiri have been designed to be warm, inviting, and deeply rooted in Punjabi culture. Dedicated walls celebrate karigars (craftsmen) and creators, honouring sportspersons, potters, artisans who make utensils, and embroiderers known for Phulkari — Punjab’s traditional embroidery. The restaurant also pays tribute to the spirit of Kabaddi and the athletes who play the sport.

“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,” Chef Harpal shared. “Overall, Karigiri is not just a place to eat; it is a place to feel stories and emotions.”

With its unique courtyard, innovative bread bar, emotionally rich menu, and culturally inspired interiors, Karigiri promises diners in Chandigarh a complete sensory and storytelling experience. Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi’s latest restaurant reflects his philosophy that food is more than sustenance — it is memory, emotion, and connection.

As the restaurant opens its doors, it stands as a celebration of Punjabi warmth, craftsmanship, and the timeless joy of sharing a meal with stories on the side.