"From the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in the aromas and atmosphere that make you feel like you're walking through the streets of Old Delhi,” says Chef Kanwardeep Ahluwalia from Surrey's Purani Dilli.
“The experience here is authentic,” explains Chef Ahluwalia, with who fellow chef and director Baldeep Sraw offers a dining experience that invites guests into a world where traditional Indian flavours meet a contemporary presentation.
Both chefs have spent years perfecting their craft, working as executive chefs in five-star hotels before venturing into Canada’s restaurant scene. Purani Dilli is their fourth restaurant and a passion project that honours Indian cuisine and the legacy of Old Delhi’s food culture.
The culinary masters behind the magic
“Being a chef is tough and demanding, both physically and mentally,” says Chef Sraw, who has grown as a chef by balancing science, art and passion. "A chef must think like a scientist, cook like a grandma and plate like an artist. Cooking is an interaction between the ingredients, and I understand the story behind each one."
Ahluwalia echoes this sentiment, adding that for him, “being a chef is to honour the art of cooking and blend craftsmanship with creativity. My life is for food; it’s not just a profession for me but a way to display my deepest desires on the plate.”
The duo, who previously collaborated at Sirka Gourmet Takeout, have built a reputation for pushing culinary boundaries and creating unique experiences. Their dedication to using the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques has made Purani Dilli a standout in the community.
Both are fuelled by a love of cooking and a drive to bring authentic Indian flavours to their customers. For Chef Sraw this passion is “what motivates me to create new recipes and experiment with flavours.”
“There’s no guarantee everyone will always love the food," Chef Ahluwalia adds. "A chef has to handle criticism with equanimity, analyze feedback and constantly improve,” he says.
An invitation to savour
Purani Dilli invites guests to enjoy a taste of India that’s both close to home and unique. With each dish, the restaurant offers a small, delicious escape, celebrating the flavours that have defined Indian cuisine for generations. As Chef Ahluwalia puts it, "We want people to indulge and feel like they’re stepping into a part of Delhi when they enter.”
For more information, visit puranidilli.com. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for any updates and check out their menu online!