Laughter Chefs’ Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi: It is the funniest and most successful food show today

Celebrity chef Harpal Singh Sokhi has transformed the way India looks at cooking shows. Known for his infectious energy and iconic catchphrase “Namak Shamak, Namak Shamak daal dete hain!”, Sokhi believes that food should be all about joy and experience.The origin of his signature phrase is rooted in a unique inspiration. “The idea of Namak Shamak came from a book my daughter had on Mahatma Gandhi. Just like Gandhiji started a movement with salt, I thought — salt lifts every flavor. Why not make that the highlight?” he shared.He’s also the creative force behind Turban Tadka, a beloved show that brought entertainment into the kitchen. “Turban is my pride. Tadka is my skill,” he laughs. On why he chose this approach, Sokhi adds, “Food shows used to be serious. I made them full of masti.”Now, he proudly takes credit for Laughter Chefs, a show that blends comedy and cooking. “It is the funniest and most successful food show today,” he states confidently, reflecting his belief that food must entertain as much as it satisfies.At his restaurant Karigari, the focus is firmly on Indian cuisine. “When kids come, they will eat Indian food. That’s the final decision,” he says. Each dish comes with a story — from Suhagraat wali Kheer to Kaali Roti made from black sesame. Sokhi believes storytelling is as important as seasoning.He also ensures consistency across his outlets. “95% of our menu stays the same in all restaurants. That’s very important in branding,” he explains. His dedicated training teams guarantee that every chef delivers the same taste and quality.Even abroad, Sokhi refuses to dilute authenticity. “You don’t ask an Italian chef to change pizza. So why ask me to change my butter chicken?” he says.For Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, food is an emotion. Or as he perfectly sums it up, “We are all karigars.”