Punjab Grill at the Masala Library: The legacy left by Jiggs Kalra

Indian Tsar J. Inder Singh Kalra, better known as Jiggs Kalra, had served some of the world's most prominent figures, such as Princess Diana and Prince Charles, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Bill Clinton. among others, died on June 4.

The gastronome, during a career spanning almost five decades, played a decisive role in introducing Indian cuisine to the international public and setting standards. With his son Zorawar Kalra, he created legendary establishments that are now considered culinary delights in India.

At his death, let's take a walk backstage and revisit his iconic restaurants.

ALSO READ Famous chefs remember Jiggs Kalra, the czar of Indian cuisine

Punjab Grill

In 2006, Jiggs Kalra, with his son Zorawar Kalra, launched Punjab Grill following the format fast food restaurants (QSR) and in 2007 they reintroduced as a fine restaurant. Their butter chicken, dal makhani, biryani, paneer lababdar, paan shot and matar mushrooms are worth a visit. On average, a meal here will cost you about Rs.200.

Masala Library

The duo launched the Masala Library in 2011. The first Indian restaurant to introduce molecular gastronomy to Indian cuisine, a meal costs around 3,000 Rs per person. . They give a dish as simple as paneer makhani a theatrical appearance by presenting it in the form of a large pie. Or serve a gourmet dish like guchchi tandoori with mint chutney mousse. Their curries speak of India's rich culture and heritage, whether it is the yellow dal from northern India or a rich mustard-laden fish curry from the shores of West Bengal.

Made in Punjab

The success of the Masala Library was followed by Made in Punjab. The menu was inspired by the culinary delights of cities like Amritsar, Lahore, Peshawar, Baluchistan, etc. Butter chicken curry and Mughlai dishes are worth a visit. A meal costs around Rs 900 per person.

Farzi Cafe

Their next project is the modern bistro Farzi Cafe. The innovative kitchen and mixology café, which already has four points of sale in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Gurugram and Lucknow), has recently opened to customers in Haymarket, near Piccadilly Circus, London. Focusing on the gourmet dinner as well as on the taste of youth, the Farzi café gives life back to Indian cuisine with theatricality on the table and culinary illusion. Their badtails, non-alcoholic badtails in the milky way, fusion vada pav, samosa filling duck are very popular. A meal costs around Rs 1,100 per person.

Pa Pa Ya and Bo-Tai

They also experimented with Asian cuisine with Pa Pa Ya (Rs 1,500 per person) and Bo-Tai (Rs 2,000 per person). The dishes served under these banners combine culinary techniques and cultures from all over the Asian continent and give them a true modern avatar, again infusing molecular gastronomy in their dishes.