The Man Behind the ‘Namak Shamak’
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi is a renowned Celebrity Chef of India. He is also known as ‘Energy Chef of India’ and ‘Dancing Chef of India’, whose journey from professional kitchens to national fame reflects a deep passion for food, culture, and storytelling. His iconic “Namak Shamak” has become more than a catchphrase—it embodies his philosophy of turning cooking into a joyful, shared experience.
THE EARLY DAYS
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi was born and brought up in Kharagpur, West Bengal. He developed a deep passion for Indian cuisine early in his career. He refined his culinary expertise under renowned mentors like Ustad Habib Pasha and Begum Mumtaz Khan, mastering authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. Chef Harpal is a music lover and is fluent in over 5 languages. He graduated from the catering school at Bhubaneshwar, a capital of Orissa. His strong foundation, combined with innovation, helped him carve a unique identity by blending traditional Indian flavors with global influences. Seamlessly blending traditional Indian wisdom with modern culinary innovation, he has redefined how cuisine connects people across generations. As the creative force behind Turban Tadka, India’s leading culinary show on 24x7 Food Food channel, Chef Harpal has transformed food entertainment with his distinctive style.
HIS RESTAURANTS
Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi extends his culinary philosophy beyond television through his restaurant chain Karigari, with 12 outlets across North India. At Karigari, every dish reflects craftsmanship—shaped by his family’s rich culinary legacy, the mentors who guided him, and the countless experiences that have refined his palate over the years. In the past, he has successfully translated his culinary vision into popular restaurant ventures. His brands such as Twist of Tadka, BBJaan, and The Treasury showcase his signature fusion of Indian and international cuisines. His concept-driven dining spaces reflect his passion for elevating Indian food into modern, experiential formats. Each meal tells a story, blending tradition, technique, and personal journey into a dining experience that celebrates the true art of Indian cooking.
CHEF HARPAL SINGH ON TV
On screen, Chef Harpal continues to captivate audiences as an anchor and jury on Laughter Chefs – Entertainment Unlimited, alongside Bharti Singh, streaming on Colors TV and Jio Hotstar. The show brings together the worlds of comedy and cuisine, where celebrities step into the kitchen, and Chef Harpal lends his expertise, charm, and signature energy to guide and entertain. His presence adds authenticity and warmth, making the show a delightful blend of humor, creativity, and culinary excellence.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
He has bagged many recognitions and awards such as ‘Chef of the Year 2012’, ‘Best Chef of the year 2016’, ‘Iconic Achievers Award 2018’, ‘Food Fusion Leadership Awards 2018’, ‘Annapoorna Food Retail Award 2018’, ‘Food Food Top 30 Restaurant Awards 2022’, ‘Top Chefs Award 2025’ and many more.
OTHER VENTURES
Beyond television, Chef Harpal is a successful restaurateur, author, digital influencer, entrepreneur, coach and a true Karigar. He is the author of ‘The Biryani Leader’ and has been recognized among the Top food YouTubers by Google. Through Turban Tadka Hospitality, he has expanded into digital content, travel shows, and branded culinary experiences.
His work, awards, and global outreach continue to inspire millions, as he promotes Indian cuisine with energy, innovation, and cultural pride.