Patri owner Puneet revisits legendary Karim’s in India’s New Delhi
By Puneet Wadhwani, founder of Patri
Earlier this year, I went back to New Delhi, India, and the famous Lodhi Road where I grew up to visit the iconic Karim’s cultural centre.
Located just outside the historic Lodhi Gardens, this was a return for me to the roots of Mughlai cooking, with close friends and family.
For those who don’t know, Karim’s is a fourth generation restaurant that was launched way back in 1913, and is renowned for serving the choicest Mughlai delicacies.
It was founded by Haji Karimuddin who cooked in the royal kitchen towards the end of the Mughal Dynasty during the reign of the last Mughal king, Bahadur Shah Zafar.
Described as “a chef par excellence”, Haji Karimuddin brought the royal food – Shahi Dastar-Khwan – outside the walls of the Royal Red Fort to the common man, before it was taken up by his son Haji Nooruddin and grandsons.
During our visit to Karim’s, we tried a variety of dishes that ranged from their Seekh Kebabs, Malai Tikka, Butter Barra, and Chicken Janghiri, before finishing off with Kheer Benazeer and the bread pudding Shahi Tukra.
As the owner and founder of Patri in Hammersmith and Northfields, I’ve tried to rekindle my childhood memories by connecting my history through the language of food.
Karim’s
India Islamic Cultural Center, 87-88, Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India.
T:Â +91 11 4339 1989 | W:Â @_karims_
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 09:00-23:00
