Ikk Panjab is the brainchild of Deepika and Rajan Sethi, crafted in honour of their father’s legacy and memories of pre-Partition Punjab. Conceptualised as a fine-dine nostalgia trip, the restaurant, with outlets across Delhi NCR (most recently in Gurgaon) and Chandigarh is helmed by Chef Naresh Kotwal, who revives forgotten recipes from Lahore to Rawalpindi. The new menu is a flavour-soaked tribute to Punjab’s culinary map, wrapped in old-world warmth.
The Star Dish
Let’s talk royalty in a pot. The Kunna Gosht isn’t just a dish. It’s a culinary relic from the bylanes of Chiniot, resurrected with reverence at Ikk Panjab. Cooked low and slow in a traditional clay pot—the “kunna”—the mutton turns fall-apart tender, soaking up a rich, spice-laced gravy that clings lovingly to every fibre. The flavours are deep, meaty, earthy and wildly comforting, like your Dadi’s Sunday best, only turned up a notch.
What seals the deal is the Khameeri Roti. It’s pillow-soft, gently fermented, and so airy that you could easily polish off three without thinking twice. Together, this duo is a love letter to the kind of Punjabi food that rarely finds its place on the modern menu.
What’s More?
The menu is no less than a map of undivided Punjab, scattered with forgotten gems and familiar classics, each with a twist. We kicked off our meal with the Matthi Chole, a crunchy, flaky matthi layered with spicy, tangy chole, kachumber, and house chutneys—street food nostalgia served up with finesse.
The dahi kebabs were next. Crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and delicately spiced, these are the kind of kebabs that make you pause between bites to appreciate the balance. But it was the Patiala Kibti Chicken that truly surprised us. It is a decadent, slow-cooked dish from royal kitchens, marinated in curd and spices and topped with slivered almonds. Seafood lovers, don’t skip the Sarson Machhi Tikka. Marinated in mustard and grilled just right, it’s sharp, zesty, and flaky. And if you like your kebabs with a twist, the Chapli Kebab, pressed flat and fried crisp, is a textural delight.
Wrap it all up with the showstopper dessert: Tarn-Taran di Jalebi Rabdi. A giant, perfectly crisp jalebi soaking in creamy, thick rabdi that tastes like festival mornings and family feasts.
Drinks Menu
Climb up to the mezzanine-level Trophy Bar and you’re instantly transported to a vintage Army Club, where low-hung lights and warm tones set an effortlessly chill vibe. While the bar does serve alcohol, its mocktails stand out with their own charm. We tried two: the Orange & Berry, a tangy-sweet, fruity refresher, and the Coconut & Rose, a nostalgic blend that evoked childhood Rooh Afza memories with a tropical twist. Priced at INR 345 each, both drinks were well-balanced, not overly sugary, and thoughtfully crafted to complement the bar’s rich, indulgent menu.
Vibe Check
Located in the heart of Delhi, Ikk Panjab feels less like a commercial restaurant and more like a charming old bungalow from pre-Partition Lahore. The space is styled as Colonel Sahab ka Ghar, filled with memoribilia—an old passport, vintage military memorabilia, books, and heirloom crockery.
Soft florals meet dark wood, while warm lighting and quiet corners create the perfect setting for a cosy meal. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family feast, or just some quality solo indulgence, the vibe adapts to your mood. While there’s no outdoor seating, you won’t miss it with interiors this inviting. Service is graceful, attentive and adds to the home-like hospitality.
