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Inside Karigari’s Winter Menu
Akhrot & Anjeer ka Halwa
Winter at Karigari is more than a season, it’s a canvas. A time when the kitchen leans into warmth, texture, and produce that naturally nurtures the body. Among this year’s standout creations is a dessert that captures our winter philosophy: Akhrot & Anjeer ka Halwa.
Indulgent yet inherently wholesome, it draws its soul from ingredients long rooted in Indian winter traditions. Finely chopped akhrot are slowly coaxed to release their deep, toasty richness, then blended with the softness of stewed anjeer that brings sweetness, density, and an earthy warmth.
At Karigari, craft thrives in contrasts. A layer of crisp, golden kataifi adds a delicate crunch that elevates the velvety halwa beneath, creating a balance of softness and crispness that defines its character.
A final touch of fresh pear adds lightness and subtle sweetness, giving this rich dessert an elegant, modern finish, winter indulgence, refined with craft.
Why Our Drinks Taste Like Home
The Story Behind Karigari’s Beverage Menu
At Karigari, our drinks are crafted to feel familiar and comforting, the kind that connect instinctively with memory and mood. Each beverage carries a sense of home, drawn from India’s culinary heritage and shaped to be refreshing, nurturing, and quietly nostalgic.
Bela Chameli reflects this beautifully. Inspired by the perfumed drinks once served to queens in the era of Maharaja Bikaner, it pairs the gentle fragrance of mogra with a touch of lemon for a light, floral refreshment rooted in tradition.
Shogum Shuda brings comfort through purity. Coconut water, fresh coconut cream, white rose, and lemon form a naturally sweet, tropical drink that feels calming and effortless.
Kokum Banta adds energy and nostalgia with kokum’s tangy sweetness, a dash of masala, and the playful fizz of banta.
Banarasi Paan transforms the classic paan into an aromatic, warm, evocative sip, while Cucumber Lemonade brings bright, crisp balance.
Together, they create a menu that tastes like comfort and culture.
Desserts That Heal
The Secret Benefits Behind Karigari’s Mirchi ka Halwa
At Karigari, sweetness is not just about indulgence, it’s about intention. Our Mirchi ka Halwa is a perfect example of how tradition, creativity, and mindful cooking can come together to create something both surprising and nourishing. Thoughtfully curated by Chef Harpal, this dessert turns the humble green chilli into an experience that delights the palate while quietly supporting the body.
The halwa carries a gentle heat softened by slow cooking, allowing the natural flavour of the chilli to mellow into a warm, soothing sweetness. Its texture is rich yet balanced, offering comfort without heaviness. But beyond taste, Mirchi ka Halwa has long been celebrated in certain Indian households for its benefits. The subtle warmth of the chilli helps open nasal passages, making it a blessing for anyone dealing with sinus issues, congestion, or winter stuffiness. It comforts, clears, and calms, all in a single spoonful.
This is dessert with purpose: indulgent, clever, and rooted in the wisdom of ingredients that heal while they delight. Mirchi ka Halwa is not just a treat at Karigari, it’s a winter companion you didn’t know you needed.
Walls That Whisper
The Untold Stories Hidden Inside Karigari’s Interiors
Step into Karigari, and you’ll notice that every wall tells a story. Here, the space is more than decoration, it is a tribute. The walls are dedicated to the karigars, the artisans who have shaped India’s soul, whether through the rhythmic pulse of the tabla, the careful hands of the potter, or the graceful gestures of classical dance.
Every corner, every mural, every detail is a nod to their passion, dedication, and craft. As you walk through the restaurant, you can almost feel the hands that created, the years of practice behind each rhythm and design, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.
Karigari doesn’t just celebrate food; it celebrates the people whose creativity forms the very fabric of Indian culture. Here, walls whisper the stories of artistry, labor, and love, reminding every visitor that behind every craft is a heart and a hand that made it possible.
From Tandoor to Table
The Story Behind Our Iconic Paneer Margherita Tikka
At Karigari, every dish reflects curiosity, care, and a deep understanding of flavours. Paneer Margherita Tikka, one of our most loved creations, began with Chef Harpal noticing a simple concern: children loved pizza, but mothers worried about maida. He wanted to offer a dish that captured the same indulgent flavours while remaining wholesome.
The result is Paneer Margherita Tikka—cubes of fresh paneer stuffed with melting mozzarella, coated with pizza sauce, herbs, crushed pepper, basil, and olive oil, then grilled in the tandoor and finished with parmesan and crumbs. Each bite balances creamy, cheesy richness with a gentle spice, lifted by fresh basil and mixed herbs.
This dish embodies Karigari’s philosophy of blending tradition with innovation, offering a fusion of Indian and Italian flavours that delights guests of all ages. Today, Paneer Margherita Tikka remains our hottest-selling vegetarian dish, a testament to thoughtful craft and irresistible taste.
A Culinary Masterpiece
Why Our Dohra Gucchi Mushrooms Stand Out
In the world of gourmet cuisine, few ingredients are as captivating as the gucchi mushroom, often called the “truffle of India.” Hand-foraged in the Himalayan foothills, these rare mushrooms are prized for their earthy, smoky flavour and spongy texture. Chef Harpal Singh’s Dohra Gucchi Mushroom pairs this luxurious ingredient with the humble button mushroom, slow-cooked in a creamy cashew-almond gravy infused with crushed pepper and fresh mint for a subtle, nutty sweetness and refreshing zing.
The dish is served on a bed of shiitake mushrooms stir-fried in ginger, onion, and tomato masala, adding depth, umami, and a hint of spice. Each bite combines tender gucchi, familiar button mushrooms, and chewy shiitake, creating a balance of textures and flavours. Dohra Gucchi Mushroom is a masterful fusion of rarity and approachability, tradition and innovation, resulting in a dish that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.
Kulchey Choley Pakodey Pockets
A Street Story Reimagined
Kulchey Choley Pakodey Pockets at Karigari trace their roots to a humble evening snack from Ludhiana’s Sarabha Nagar market, where a man on a bicycle sold warm chole kulchey pockets to passing crowds. That memory stayed. At Karigari, the idea is reimagined with refined technique, soft kulchas, spiced chole, crisp pakodey, and subtle Mediterranean influences layered together.
The soul remains street-side, but the execution is thoughtful and contemporary. Each bite carries nostalgia, movement, and warmth, an ode to fleeting street moments that deserve permanence on a plate, where comfort meets curiosity and everyday flavours are elevated without losing their honest, familiar heart.
Charcoal Goat Cheese Naan
The Naan That Stopped Conversations
Karigari’s Charcoal Goat Cheese Naan is not a side, it is a statement of intent. Born from a desire to reimagine the role of bread in an Indian meal, this signature creation challenges expectations from the very first glance. Crafted with activated charcoal and black sesame paste, the naan emerges from the tandoor crisp, smoky, and visually striking, its deep black hue immediately commanding attention.
The experience deepens with flavour. Creamy goat cheese melts gently against the warmth of the bread, balanced by chilli flakes and fragrant herbs that add subtle heat and freshness. Each bite offers contrast, crisp edges and soft centres, smokiness and richness, designed to be enjoyed slowly, without accompaniment.
More than just a bread, the Charcoal Goat Cheese Naan embodies Karigari’s philosophy of bold craftsmanship rooted in familiarity. It transforms a humble staple into a conversation-stopping experience, proving that innovation need not be loud, only thoughtful, confident, and deeply satisfying.
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