Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi believes one should be open to opportunities

The Energy Chef of India, who made namak shamak a household slogan, is on a show spree! Even as Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi enters the eight season of Punjab De Superchef later this month, he is currently busy shooting for the second season of Laughter Chef Season 2.

Chef Sokhi has already been a part of some popular shows, including Turban Tadka, Grand Trunk Rasoi and Maa Ki Dal, among others. “Laughter Chef got unprecedented love and numbers leading to its Season 2. People have reached out to us sharing how it takes them away from their worries and makes them live in the moment,” says one of the very first chefs to take on the Indian telly screen.

Laughter Chef brings together old contestants and new, offering a medley, with names like Krishna, Sudesh, Kashmera Shah, Manara Chopra, Samarth Jurel, Rubina Dilaik, Abhishek Kumar and Samarth. Chef Sokhi sure is having fun! Abdu Rozik and Elvish have not only won social media but Sokhi’s heart too. “They are surprisingly good in the kitchen,” he vouches.

Choosing his own path

Starting his innings from Centaur Hotel, Mumbai, the opportunity to work and learn in Europe was his first big high. Open to risks, he came and chose to work in a restaurant, much against his well-wishers’ advice. He mastered Hyderabadi cuisine, not only from his ustad Habib Pasha, but also Sultana of Spices Begum Mumtaz and more, exploring Nizam connections in the gali and kuche of Hyderabad. Chef Sokhi ventured into writing for big publications before establishing his place on TV. A number of shows, he continues to be a restaurateur— ready to open his 11th restaurant—Karigari in Connaught Place, New Delhi. He hopes to take the count to 20 by the year end!

So, where does he get all the energy to juggle cooking, be a part of shows and everything in between? “If you are passionate and ready to put in all it takes, the path appears, things click and the Almighty bestows you with the energy,” he beams. Name and fame aside, he humbly admits that his home kitchen is ruled by his wife, Aparna. “She is such a wonderful chef that our restaurants have dishes curated by her.” The concept of Karigari gives due credit to home chefs and the menu has entries not just by Aprana, but also Chef Sokhi’s mother and mother-in- law!

City Beautiful beckons

Chef Sokhi often comes to Chandigarh and calls it a foodies’ paradise. “I have had some of the best vegetarian and non-vegetarian food here and tried every established name—right from Pal Dhaba to Garg Di Chaat.”

He’s looking forward to enjoying winter delicacies as he comes to Chandigarh next for shooting Season 8 of Punjab De Superchef. Having been a part of the show’s journey from Season 1, he credits it all to his fans. “I have been incredible lucky to have received so much love from food lovers.”

Now that he’s on so many shows we ask if a Khatron Ke Khiladi or Bigg Boss is on the list? “One should be open to opportunities—may be a Hindi or Punjabi film next,” he signs off.