Laughter Chefs 2 Fame Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi: People Love To Hear The Stories Behind Recipes

When it comes to whipping up food, it's just more than merely following a recipe, says chef Harpal Singh Sokhi. He adds that cooking has deep emotions associated with it.

"Cooking is deeply connected to emotions, and diners can sense that. People love to hear the stories behind recipes, and when a dish has a meaningful backstory, it enhances their dining experience. A great example is my restaurant, Karigiri, where every tea has a story rooted in tradition-whether inspired by my mother's kitchen or childhood memories. These emotional connections add value to the recipes, making them more engaging and memorable. Such dishes become a talking point and leave a lasting impression on consumers," he says.

He adds, "Creating a menu is one of the most crucial aspects of running a restaurant because it serves as the primary selling tool. While interiors and ambiance set the theme and concept, the menu must align with them. Without a well-thought-out menu, a restaurant cannot truly succeed. A great deal of ideation and conceptualisation goes into designing a menu, and it's essential to consider the target audience and their preferences."

Talking about advances in the culinary world, he says, "Cooking is constantly evolving, and India's rich culinary heritage offers endless learning opportunities. While it's impossible to master every recipe, the internet has made it easier to connect with experts and learn from them. As long as one remains a keen learner and a good teacher, there is always room for growth. New techniques, such as the science of smoke and ingredient pairings, highlight how cooking is both an art and a science."

He adds, "Many lesser-known regional cuisines are yet to make their mark in premium dining spaces. Some chefs are pushing boundaries and bringing these hidden culinary gems to the forefront-kudos to them. Jharkhand's cuisine, as well as dishes from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and the Northeast, deserve more recognition. When people think of the Northeast, they often associate it with momos, but the region offers much more. Fortunately, some unique ingredients from the Northeast are starting to gain attention. India's culinary landscape is vast-it truly is the Amazon of food."

There is nothing more innovative than cooking Indian food, says the chef. "Indian cuisine remains largely unexplored, even though people from all over the world visit India to experience its diverse flavours. There is an increasing exchange of ingredients through various channels, presenting immense opportunities for innovation. While North Indian food is widely popular, there is significant experimentation happening across regions, with chefs incorporating new techniques and influences into their dishes," he says, adding, "Presentation plays a vital role in dining. Even with something as simple as a curry, elements like colour, texture, and plating matter. A visually appealing dish sets a positive tone for the dining experience, making it more enjoyable and indulgent."