CT Review: Is Ikk Panjab Delhi’s Most Heartfelt Tribute To Pre-Partition Punjab? I Think So.

There are restaurants that serve good food, and then there are restaurants that serve stories on a plate. Ikk Panjab, now proudly nestled in Delhi’s Connaught Place, is solidly in the latter category. When I walked through its doors, I didn’t just enter a dining space – I stepped into a beautifully imagined past, where every corner, every bite, and every sip whispered tales from an undivided Punjab.

A Soulful Evening At Ikk Panjab

Before we dive into the menu, a little backstory. Ikk Panjab was born out of the deep-rooted love that Deepika and Rajan Sethi had for their father and his tales of pre-Partition Punjab. Their passion project pays homage to a land rich in culture, complexity, and resilience—what was once undivided Punjab. You’ll taste it in the food, feel it in the ambiance, and hear it in the music gently floating in the background.

From the get-go, the restaurant oozes nostalgia. Picture this: a refined colonial-style layout that feels like the home of a retired Army colonel. Dark mahogany furniture, floral upholstery, soft, old-world lighting, and a floor-to-ceiling library surround you. On the mezzanine sits The Trophy Bar, waiting for its cocktail menu to launch. At Ikk Panjab, you feel hosted—not served. And that’s before the food even arrives.

A Journey Through Pre-Partition Flavours

Appetisers To Wake Up Your Soul

• Matthi Chole: If there’s a dish that defines Punjab on a plate, this is it. Flaky, golden matthi topped with spicy chole, tangy kachumber, and punchy chutneys—it was crunchy, spicy, tangy, and totally addictive.
• DIY Golgappe: The perfect mix of nostalgia and theatre. Served with aloo-chana stuffing and assorted flavoured waters, these crunchy bombs were better than any street-side version I’ve had. Yes, I said it.
• Palak Patta Chaat: Think crispy spinach pakoras with curd and chutney, but make it divine. A delicate balance of crunch, creaminess, and tang.
• Pakodas: I sat down for what can only be described as a 9 pm high-tea experience with Paneer Pakoda, Jalandhari Dal Pakode, and Chicken Pakoda, accompanied by a piping hot Punjabi masala chai. It turned out to be the comfort food moment I didn’t know I needed.

Kebabs That Tell Their Own Tales

• Multani Paneer Tikka: Creamy, soft paneer, wrapped in a beautifully balanced marinade. You could taste the streets of Multan in every bite.
• Badami Broccoli: Honestly, this dish is for everyone who rolls their eyes at broccoli. Coated in almond-rich creaminess, it was smooth, luxurious, and indulgent.
• Patiala Kibti Chicken: I still can’t stop thinking about the Patiala Kibti Chicken—tender meat marinated in yoghurt, topped with almonds. It was decadent without being heavy. A royal treat.
• Roasted Lahori Chicken Chargha: It was a showstopper. Marinated thrice, tandoor-cooked, and dripping with flavour, this Lahori delicacy gave the usual tandoori chicken a gourmet upgrade.
• Mutton Boti Kebab: Big, bold chunks of marinated mutton, grilled till just tender. The khada masala coating made this one a personal favourite.

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Homely, Wholesome, And Hearty Mains

• Amritsari Aloo-Vadiyaan: Spicy urad dal vadis cooked with potatoes in a robust tomato gravy—it was humble and hearty, the kind of dish you’d want on a rainy day with hot phulkas.
• Sindhi Khatti Masar Dal: A beautiful, tangy masoor dal laced with tamarind and tomato. It’s simple but unforgettable, especially if you enjoy Sindhi flavours.
• Amritsari Chicken Pulao: Flavour-packed rice, generous chicken chunks, and bold spices that don’t hold back. A must-order dish at Ikk Panjab.

Desserts And Drinks That Deserve Their Own Story

• Tarn-Taran Di Jalebi Rabdi: The classic pairing, done right. The jalebis were crisp, syrupy, and balanced beautifully with rich, creamy rabdi.
• Punjabi Masala Chai: While the cocktail menu is yet to launch, I couldn’t have asked for a better companion than their Punjabi Masala Chai—aromatic, bold, and brewed to perfection. 
• Citrus Delight Bunta Soda: Their bunta soda with Desi Orange and Bunta Masala was also delightful, adding a refreshing desi sparkle to the experience.

Warning: Try their chai only if you’re prepared for a post-meal nap—it’s that comforting.

A Rare, Perfect Dining Experience At Ikk Panjab

It’s rare to walk out of a restaurant without even a tiny complaint. But Ikk Panjab ticked every single box—from concept and interiors to service, food, and soul. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s an homage, a memoir, and a cultural celebration.

Whether you’re going with friends, family, or even solo, it guarantees a full-hearted experience. I left with a happy heart, a very full stomach, and the thought, “When am I coming back?”

So, Delhiites—if you’re looking for your next standout dining destination, make your way to Ikk Panjab in Connaught Place.

Cover Image Courtesy: Mallika Khurana and Supplied