Manish Sharma, Co-founder of Karigari, shares the philosophy behind building a brand that celebrates the soul of Indian hospitality. More than just a restaurant, Karigari is a heartfelt tribute to craftsmanship, culture, and connection. From its roots in emotion-driven dining to a thoughtful expansion strategy, Sharma talks about building a legacy brand where food is not just served, but also felt, remembered, and celebrated.
Manish Sharma, Co-founder, Karigari
What is the idea behind Karigari?
Karigari is built on the belief that true hospitality is an art — and like all great art, it requires heart, skill, and intention. The word ‘Karigari’ means craftsmanship, and that’s exactly what we strive to reflect in every aspect of our experience, from the way a dish is plated to the warmth with which we greet our guests.
The idea was never just to open another restaurant — it was to create a place where food becomes emotion, where every visit feels like a celebration, and where culture, tradition, and modern sensibilities meet beautifully. We draw inspiration from India’s deep culinary heritage and bring it to life with a fresh, contemporary touch, without ever losing the soul of what makes it special.
Karigari is also deeply people-driven — from the chefs and team members who pour their hearts into what they do, to the guests whose smiles validate our efforts. It’s a space of joy, storytelling, and connections. That’s the essence we protect and nurture every day.
More than anything, Karigari is our tribute to the art of making people feel at home, with food that comforts, spaces that inspire, and moments that linger.
As a brand, what philosophy or strategic thinking drives Karigari?
At Karigari, our core philosophy is simple yet powerful — create with purpose, serve with soul, and grow with integrity. We believe that great brands are not built on trends, but on trust, consistency, and the ability to connect with people at a deeper level. Our strategy is rooted in understanding our guests — their evolving tastes, their need for meaningful experiences, and their desire to feel seen and valued.
Every decision at Karigari — whether it’s a menu innovation, a design element, or the way we train our team — stems from the belief that details matter. We don’t aim to be the biggest, but the most loved. For us, brand-building is not about expansion alone; it’s about creating an emotional footprint wherever we go.
We also operate with a strong sense of cultural respect and community connection. Karigari doesn’t just serve food — it honours tradition, celebrates creativity, and brings people together. That balance of heart and strategy is what defines our journey. In short, Karigari is driven by purpose-led growth, people-first thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, in everything we do.
What’s your expansion approach — a mix of company-owned outlets and strategic partnerships?
Our expansion philosophy is guided by one core principle: grow with intention, not just ambition. At Karigari, we’re deeply committed to preserving the soul of the brand as we scale. That’s why our approach is a balanced mix of company-owned outlets — which help us maintain complete creative and operational control — and carefully chosen strategic partnerships that allow us to grow with the right people, in the right places.
We’re not chasing numbers — we’re building legacies. Every new Karigari location is seen as an opportunity to bring our values to a new community, not just to open a restaurant. Strategic partnerships are evaluated not just on business metrics, but on shared vision, cultural alignment, and long-term synergy.
This hybrid model gives us the flexibility to expand with quality, retain consistency in guest experience, and foster entrepreneurship within our ecosystem — while ensuring that the essence of Karigari remains intact. In short, our growth is steady, thoughtful, and value-driven — just like everything else we do.
Karigari caters to a mix of urban professionals, well-travelled food lovers, and families looking for an elevated Indian dining experience. How do you distinguish your offerings vis-a-vis other restaurants?
At Karigari, our distinction lies in the harmony we strike between authenticity and artistry — we don’t just serve Indian food, we reimagine it without losing its soul. Today’s diners are discerning — they’ve travelled, explored global cuisines, and seek not just a meal, but a story, a connection. We understand that. That’s why every aspect of Karigari — from our thoughtfully designed spaces to our curated menus — is crafted to offer a rich, layered experience that feels familiar yet refreshingly new.
A key part of this vision is our collaboration with celebrated Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, whose culinary leadership brings unmatched depth and personality to our offerings. His deep-rooted understanding of Indian flavours, combined with his innovative approach, allows us to create dishes that are bold, nostalgic, and beautifully elevated — appealing to both the curious global palate and the comfort-seeking Indian heart.
What sets us apart is our attention to emotion and detail. Our service style blends warmth with professionalism, and our ambiance is designed to make everyone — whether it’s a solo diner, a business lunch group, or a large family — feel equally seen and celebrated.
Karigari isn’t built around gimmicks or trends. It’s built around sincerity — in food, in hospitality, and in the environments we create. That’s what resonates with our guests — they sense the care, the craftsmanship, and the quiet confidence that makes Karigari feel special.
In a crowded space, we don’t try to be loud — we try to be lasting. And that makes all the difference.
Looking ahead, what’s your long-term vision for Karigari?
Our long-term vision for Karigari is to build a legacy brand that redefines the Indian dining experience — in India and beyond. We want Karigari to be known not just for great food, but for the values it represents: craftsmanship, authenticity, and heartfelt hospitality. As we grow, our goal is to continue offering elevated yet accessible Indian cuisine that resonates with modern diners — while staying rooted in the culture and traditions that inspire us.
With the creative leadership of Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, we see Karigari expanding into multiple formats — from full-service restaurants to premium cloud kitchens and curated retail experiences — each carrying the same soul, quality, and warmth that defines us today.
But more than numbers or locations, our vision is to create spaces where people feel something — a sense of belonging, joy, and nostalgia. We aim to build Karigari into a name that’s not just recognised, but remembered — as a brand that consistently delivered excellence, adapts with grace, and always stayed true to its essence. In the long run, Karigari should stand as a proud symbol of modern Indian hospitality — refined, rooted, and relentlessly human.
