In the bustling world of hospitality, few establishments manage to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Haveli, the iconic Punjabi dining destination, stands out as a shining example. With its roots deeply anchored in Punjab’s vibrant culture and a vision that embraces the best of modern hospitality, Haveli has become much more than a restaurant—it is a celebration of Punjab.
At the helm of this cultural and culinary phenomenon is Satish Jain, the Chairman of Haveli. His passion for preserving and sharing Punjab’s rich heritage is evident in every corner of Haveli, from the architecture and ambience to the carefully crafted menu. In an exclusive interview with Hospitality Biz, Jain shares the journey behind Haveli’s inception, the challenges of expansion, and the meticulous effort that goes into maintaining its authenticity and charm.
Q: What inspired you to establish the Haveli group, and how did you conceptualise the idea of merging traditional Punjabi culture with modern hospitality?
A: The inspiration for establishing the Haveli restaurant stemmed from my deep-rooted love and pride for Punjabi culture. Growing up in Punjab, I was surrounded by the warmth of our people, the vibrancy of our traditions, and the timeless recipes passed down through generations.
The idea behind Haveli was to create a space where tradition seamlessly meets modernity. It wasn’t just about serving food; it was about crafting an experience. I wanted families to step into Haveli and feel as though they had been transported to the heart of Punjab — with phulkari-adorned walls, live bhangra performances, charkhas, bullock carts, and authentic Punjabi cuisine cooked with love and served with a smile.
We designed Haveli as more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Punjab. Every corner tells a story, every thali carries a tradition, and every guest is welcomed as family.
Our concept was clear from the start, preserve the soul of Punjab while embracing modern hospitality standards — cleanliness, professionalism, and quality service. Today, as we grow, our mission remains the same, to celebrate Punjab, one meal and one memory at a time.
Q: How do you ensure that the Haveli experience remains authentic to Punjab’s cultural heritage? What elements of Punjabi culture do you prioritise in the design, ambience, and menu of your restaurant?
A: Authenticity is at the core of everything we do at Haveli. We have a dedicated cultural and design team that researches traditional Punjabi elements, drawing inspiration from our rich heritage. Every installation, artwork, and piece of furniture is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the soul of Punjab. From charkhas and mud-plastered walls to phulkari patterns and live bhangra performances, every detail is carefully curated. The architecture of our outlets draws heavily from the style of old Punjabi havelis, featuring arches, wooden doors, Nanakshahi bricks, and mud walls. Our staff is trained to embody the warmth and hospitality for which Punjabis are renowned.
The menu at Haveli is a journey through Punjab’s culinary legacy. Iconic dishes like Sarson da Saag and Dal Makhani are prepared using traditional techniques, often slow-cooked or made in clay ovens to ensure authentic flavours. For me, Punjabi culture is more than just food; it’s a feeling that extends to how we welcome our guests, the folk art we display, the music we play, and the overall experience we create.
Q: What are the signature dishes at Haveli that you believe capture the essence of Punjabi cuisine? How do you maintain the quality and consistency of your dishes across locations?
A: The signature dishes at Haveli are deeply rooted in Punjab’s culinary traditions. Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti, Amritsari Kulcha with Chhole, and Dal Makhani cooked overnight are some of the highlights of our menu. Other crowd favorites include Tandoori Parathas and Lassi served in traditional kulhads. To maintain the quality and consistency of these beloved dishes, we rely on standardised recipes, centralised sourcing for key ingredients, and rigorous chef training programs. Regular audits and constant feedback from our guests help us ensure that every meal served lives up to the expectations that Haveli is known for.
Q: What’s next for the Haveli group? Are there plans to expand beyond Punjab or introduce new dining concepts?
A: Haveli has grown to symbolise Punjabi hospitality, and we believe this experience deserves to be shared with a larger audience. We are currently working on expanding to more cities across Punjab and Haryana, with plans to introduce the Haveli experience to new regions. We remain committed to celebrating Punjab and taking its vibrant culture to as many people as possible.
Q: What challenges did you face while expanding to new locations, and how did you overcome them?
A: Expanding to new locations always comes with challenges, from understanding the preferences of different communities to replicating the same quality of service and food. The initial stages are particularly challenging, as building trust with the local community takes time and effort. We have focused on creating an experience that goes beyond food, offering the warmth and hospitality that Punjabis are known for. Consistency has been a cornerstone of our success, supported by rigorous quality control and staff training to ensure that every Haveli outlet delivers the same exceptional experience.
Q: With growing awareness about hygiene and sustainability in the hospitality industry, how does Haveli address these concerns?
A: Hygiene and sustainability are critical priorities for us. Every Haveli outlet follows stringent FSSAI standards to maintain cleanliness and safety. On the sustainability front, we have implemented waste segregation and composting practices and have significantly reduced the use of plastic by adopting eco-friendly materials. Additionally, we support local producers and artisans, promoting sustainable, community-based growth.
At Haveli, we strive not just to serve meals but to create cherished memories that reflect the heart and soul of Punjab. The love and support we receive from our patrons inspire us to keep this vibrant culture alive and share it with the world.
