Karim’s Chandigarh (SCO 41, Sector 26 Madhya Marg): 2026 Menu, Prices, Mutton Nihari, Burra Kebabs & Mughlai Food Guide – Tracing its royal culinary lineage back to 1913 in the historic bylanes of Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Karim’s is widely celebrated as the ultimate custodian of authentic royal Mughlai cuisine in India. Bringing over a century of culinary heritage to the City Beautiful, Karim’s Chandigarh is strategically located along the vibrant culinary and nightlife strip of Madhya Marg at SCO 41, Sector 26.
Famed for its slow-simmered Mutton Nihari, succulent char-grilled Mutton Burra, rich Shahi Mutton Korma, Chicken Jahangiri, melting Seekh Kebabs, and aromatic Dum Biryanis served with handkerchief-thin Roomali Rotis, the restaurant delivers an authentic taste of Old Delhi’s Gali Kababian. In this comprehensive 2026 dining guide, we explore the complete food menu, updated prices, must-order signature dishes, seating setup, direct phone numbers, and dining tips.
The Royal Heritage: From the Mughal Court to Chandigarh
The story of Karim’s is inseparable from the history of Old Delhi. Following the collapse of the Mughal Empire in 1857, the royal chefs who catered to Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar dispersed across North India. In 1911, during the Delhi Durbar of King George V, Haji Karimuddin—the son of a royal imperial cook—opened a modest food stall selling two items: mutton stew and flatbreads. In 1913, he established Karim Hotel near Jama Masjid with a clear vision: to bring royal delicacies to the everyday commoner.
Karim’s in Sector 26 brings those time-honored cooking principles to Chandigarh: heavy-bottomed brass cauldrons (deghs), slow charcoal cooking, and whole spices sourced directly to preserve secret family blends. While Chandigarh is famous for buttery Punjabi dhabas (such as the legendary Pal Dhaba in Sector 28), Karim’s offers an authentic Mughlai alternative focused on rich fried onion reductions, aromatic curd bases, saffron infusions, and fall-apart meat textures.
Must-Try Signature Dishes at Karim’s Chandigarh
For first-time visitors and dedicated meat lovers, navigating Karim’s extensive menu requires knowing its most celebrated dishes:
1. Mutton Nihari – The Morning Royal Stew
Originally eaten by royal nobles and laborers as a fortifying breakfast stew, Mutton Nihari is slow-cooked overnight for over 8 hours. Shank cuts of tender mutton are simmered in a rich, velvety bone-marrow gravy spiced with long pepper (pipli), mace, and nutmeg. Topped with fresh ginger juliennes, green chilies, and a squeeze of lime, it is best enjoyed with pillowy, warm Khamiri Rotis that soak up the broth.
2. Mutton Burra Kebab – The Char-Grilled Masterpiece
A benchmark for tandoori craftsmanship across India, Karim’s Mutton Burra features rib chops and bone-in mutton pieces marinated twice: first in raw papaya and mustard oil to tenderize the fiber, followed by a robust rub of roasted cumin, crushed black peppercorns, and hung yogurt. Charred over glowing charcoal, the meat develops a crisp crust while staying succulent and juicy inside.
3. Shahi Mutton Korma & Chicken Jahangiri
Distinct from commercial cream-heavy curries, Karim’s Mutton Korma relies on an authentic brown onion (talawa pyaz) and curd paste reduction slow-simmered in ghee with green cardamom and cloves. The Chicken Jahangiri offers a subtly sweeter, deeply aromatic tomato-onion gravy garnished with slivered almonds and raisins, catering to royal palates.
4. Mutton Seekh Kebab & Shammi Kebab
Minced mutton blended with finely chopped mint, green chilies, coriander seeds, and clarified butter, molded onto long iron skewers and roasted over charcoal. Karim’s seekh kebabs are celebrated for their melt-in-mouth texture and balanced spicing, served alongside onion rings and spicy green chutney.
5. Gosht Dum Biryani & Traditional Breads
Unlike fiery southern biryanis, the Karim’s Gosht Dum Biryani follows the delicate Delhi-Mughlai style. Aged long-grain basmati rice and marinated meat cuts are sealed inside a degh with dough and steamed slowly over embers, releasing natural aromas of saffron, kewra water, and cardamom. Complement the meal with paper-thin Roomali Rotis or leavened Khamiri Rotis baked in the tandoor.
Menu Pricing Guide (2026 Reference Estimates)
Karim’s provides generous portion sizes suited for group and family dining. Here is an overview of representative 2026 menu prices:
Menu Dish
Portion Size
Approx. Price (INR)
Flavor Notes & Best Bread Pairing
Mutton Nihari
Standard Bowl (2 Pcs)
₹460 – ₹540
Rich, velvety bone-marrow stew; best paired with Khamiri Roti
Mutton Burra Kebab
Half (4 Pcs) / Full (8 Pcs)
₹520 – ₹980
Char-grilled, robustly spiced mutton rib chops; paired with Mint Chutney
Shahi Mutton Korma
Half / Full
₹420 – ₹780
Traditional fried-onion and curd gravy cooked in desi ghee
Chicken Jahangiri
Half / Full
₹380 – ₹720
Mildly sweet, aromatic rich tomato-cashew gravy with nuts
Mutton Seekh Kebab
Plate (4 Pcs)
₹360 – ₹440
Finely ground spiced minced mutton roasted on skewers
Gosht Dum Biryani
Full Plate with Raita
₹390 – ₹480
Aromatic saffron basmati rice layered with tender mutton pieces
Paneer Korma / Shahi Paneer
Full Bowl
₹320 – ₹420
Cottage cheese cubes simmered in creamy Mughlai gravy
Dal Makhani
Full Bowl
₹260 – ₹340
Slow-simmered black lentils finished with fresh cream and butter
Classic saffron rice pudding set in clay pots / Ghee-fried bread soaked in rabri
The Dining Experience & Ambiance: Sector 26 Madhya Marg
Located on Madhya Marg in Sector 26—Chandigarh’s premier dining and nightlife avenue—Karim’s provides a comfortable, family-friendly setting that balances Mughal aesthetics with modern dining comfort:
Ambiance: Warm wooden interiors, arched wall motifs reminiscent of old Delhi havelis, comfortable leatherette booth seating, and polite table service.
Takeaway & Car-Dine Service: For diners who prefer eating in their vehicles, Karim’s provides swift car-tray service in the front market parking lot.
Nightlife Synergy: Sector 26 is also home to Chandigarh’s top microbreweries and lounges (such as The Great Bear, MOBE, and Prankster). Having an authentic Mughlai dinner at Karim’s before or after exploring evening nightlife makes for a complete night out. (Check out our full guide to the Top 10 Night Out Places in Chandigarh and fine dining in Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in Chandigarh).
Location & How to Reach Karim’s Chandigarh
Centrally located on Madhya Marg in Sector 26, reaching Karim’s is simple from all sectors across the Tricity:
From Central Sector 17: ~3.5 km via Madhya Marg (approx. 6 to 8 minutes drive; check regional bus routes via Sector 17 Chandigarh Bus Stand).
From Nexus Elante Mall (Industrial Area Phase 1): ~3 km via Purv Marg (approx. 6 minutes drive; explore shopping in our guide to Nexus Elante Mall Chandigarh).
From Chandigarh Junction Railway Station (CDG): ~5 km (approx. 8 to 10 minutes drive).
From Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport (IXC): ~12 km via Airport Ring Road and Purv Marg (approx. 18 to 20 minutes drive).
Parking: The Sector 26 commercial market features a broad front parking bay managed by municipal parking staff. (Looking for budget meal alternatives? Browse Affordable Restaurants in Chandigarh).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Karim’s located in Chandigarh?
Karim’s Chandigarh is located at SCO 41, Madhya Marg, Sector 26, Chandigarh, 160019.
What are the must-try dishes at Karim’s Chandigarh?
The top signature dishes include Mutton Nihari, Mutton Burra Kebab, Shahi Mutton Korma, Chicken Jahangiri, Mutton Seekh Kebab, Khamiri Roti, and Shahi Tukda.
What are the opening and closing hours of Karim’s Chandigarh?
Karim’s Chandigarh is open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, serving lunch, evening kebabs, and dinner.
What is the average cost for two at Karim’s Chandigarh?
A hearty meal for two people typically ranges between ₹1,100 and ₹1,600, depending on meat selections and specialty tandoori platters.
Does Karim’s Chandigarh serve vegetarian food?
Yes. While famous for its Mughlai non-vegetarian dishes, Karim’s offers vegetarian curries including Paneer Korma, Shahi Paneer, Dal Makhani, Tandoori Soya Chaap, and assorted naans.
