Review: Ikk Panjab brings culinary traditions and flavours from undivided Punjab at a new outlet in Delhi

How many Ikk Panjabs are too many Ikk Panjabs? The more the merrier seems to be the right answer when it comes to the fine-dine restaurant which serves food from undivided Punjab in Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh. A labour of love from founders Rajan and Deepika Sethi and brand head Vernika Awal, Ikk Panjab opened a new outlet in Chandigarh just a few months ago followed by another one in Gurugram. And before you knew it, it made its entry in South Delhi for the first time by opening its doors to another new outlet in Greater Kailash II. Says Rajan, “GK-II is a neighbourhood known for its discerning audience and love for authentic experiences. With this opening, our aim is not only to expand but to offer the community a place where the true spirit and flavours of Punjab come alive, creating connections that go beyond just dining.”

Continuing with its tradition of lovingly recreating the ‘Colonel Sahab ka Ghar’, with the restaurant being a tribute to the founders’ grandparents who were born in the pre-partition era, the new outpost spread over two floors is peppered with remnants from the past – right from vintage family heirlooms to travel artifacts. Phulkari textiles and Gurmukhi script motifs weave their way through canvases on the walls and the colonial-inspired setting steeps the space in the warmth of nostalgia. A wooden staircase leads the way to the floor upstairs where The Trophy Bar occupies pride of place.

The restaurant was bubbling with warmth and laughter on the day I paid a visit to the new outlet. The concept of Ikk Panjab is well-known by now to its loyal clientele but for those who may not, Rajan shares that the idea for their eatery was to revisit their roots and serve food which their ancestors grew up eating. From Sialkot Masala Raan to Gosht Beliram from the royal kitchens of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the menu is a journey through time and tradition.  

Kickstarting the proceedings with the Jamun Patrol, a refreshing concoction of tequila, jamun, basil, jalapeno, honey and lime, I wasted no time in ordering my favourites from their menu, which included the Matthi Chhole and Dohra Kebab. The former is a hearty appetiser of a generous topping of spicy chickpeas on crunchy matthis and the latter, succulent chicken seekh kebab with an outer layer of juicy mutton seekh kebab. Best of both worlds? I think so!

Another dish which is a must-have at Ikk Panjab includes the Sindhi Khatti Masar Dal – masoor dal flavoured with tomato and tamarind. Kunna Gosht, slow-cooked on traditional earthen pots, has mutton so tender that it falls off the bone. Simmered in a spicy and earthy gravy, this dish is a revelation in every sense of the word. Amritsari Aloo Vadiyaan came next and I was glad to see this simple but wholesome dish on the menu of a fine-dine. Kotkapura Aata Chicken has a whole marinated chicken wrapped in dough and slow-baked to perfection, resulting in a soft and juicy preparation. Made using ghee or mustard oil by Chef Naresh Kotwal and his team, the dishes are hearty, wholesome and celebrate a land divided by borders but united by flavour.

There’s always room for dessert, as the saying goes and one cannot leave from here without trying their dripping-with-sweetness Tarn Taran ki Jalebi Rabdi or the Rampuri Adrak Halwa which has just the right punch of ginger to make it a standout dessert. If one is too full, then reach out for their creamy gelatos and thank me later.

Address: Ground & First Floor, M-5, M Block Market, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi
Timings: 12.30 pm to 12 am
Call for reservations: 8929003435
Price: Rs 3,000 + taxes