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- Food lovers in Punjab will be delighted to know that Sethi Da Dhaba stays true to its origins — no fusion compromises, just honest, hearty North Indian fare that reminds one of roadside dhabas on the highways of Punjab and Haryana, but presented with the finesse expected in a cosmopolitan city like Kochi.
- As Punjabis, we take immense pride in seeing one of our own excel on such a platform and spread the rich gastronomic heritage of our land — where food is not merely sustenance but an expression of warmth, generosity, and tradition.
- In a heartwarming tale of culinary excellence and cultural harmony, Mohinder Singh Sethi, a Sikh entrepreneur with deep Punjab roots, has brought pride to the state by winning the Manorama Online Golden Clove Award 2026 for Best North Indian Culinary Excellence.
In a heartwarming tale of culinary excellence and cultural harmony, Mohinder Singh Sethi, a Sikh entrepreneur with deep Punjab roots, has brought pride to the state by winning the Manorama Online Golden Clove Award 2026 for Best North Indian Culinary Excellence. His restaurant, Sethi Da Dhaba in Kadavanthara, Kochi, stood out among Kerala’s vibrant dining scene for its authentic Punjabi flavours and warm hospitality.
The award, part of the prestigious Golden Clove Food Awards organised by Malayala Manorama Online, recognises the finest restaurants across Kerala. The 2026 edition (Season 2) culminated on April 11 at KTDC Waterscapes Resort in Kumarakom, with noted food critic and journalist Vir Sanghvi as the chief guest. Winners were selected through a combination of public voting and expert evaluation across five regional zones, celebrating excellence in taste, ambiance, service, and innovation.
Sethi Da Dhaba, known for its classic Punjabi dishes like rich butter chicken, aromatic biryanis, fresh tandoori delights, and comforting dhaba-style meals, has carved a special niche in Kochi. What makes the victory even more special is the story behind it. Mohinder Singh Sethi shared that it was his mother’s dream to open a genuine Punjabi restaurant in Kerala, bringing the robust flavours of Punjab to the southern state. Today, that dream has not only been realised but also honoured at a high-profile platform.
During the award ceremony and subsequent interviews, Sethi impressed everyone with his fluent Malayalam, effortlessly articulating his gratitude and vision in the local language. Social media has been abuzz with praise for this display of integration, with many netizens calling it a shining example of “true Indian diversity.” Even Congress leader Shashi Tharoor reacted positively, highlighting the beauty of cultural exchange.
Golden Clove award is an online poll conducted by Manorama in Kerala to reward the best restaurant. People can go and vote online. This year a Keralite Sardar has won the award. His Restaurant SETHI DA DHABA voted as best restaurant in Keralam pic.twitter.com/cXLJ7nLj6Y
— 𝖇 𝖗 𝖚 𝖙 𝖚 (@Brutu24) April 14, 2026
Speaking about the honour, Sethi expressed deep gratitude to the people of Kerala for their love and support. “This award belongs to our entire team and to every guest who has walked into Sethi Da Dhaba seeking a taste of Punjab. Kerala has embraced us with open arms, and we are committed to serving food made with love, using the finest ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations,” he said.
The restaurant’s success reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the Sikh community, known across India and the world for their diligence, innovation, and community-oriented approach to business. From running successful dhabas and transport businesses in Punjab to establishing thriving enterprises in distant states like Kerala, Sikh businessmen have often become bridges of culture and cuisine.
Food lovers in Punjab will be delighted to know that Sethi Da Dhaba stays true to its origins — no fusion compromises, just honest, hearty North Indian fare that reminds one of roadside dhabas on the highways of Punjab and Haryana, but presented with the finesse expected in a cosmopolitan city like Kochi.
The Golden Clove Awards also spotlighted other winners, including 1947 Indian Restaurant in Kochi as Restaurant of the Year and several establishments for excellence in Kerala cuisine, seafood, and multicuisine dining. Yet, Sethi Da Dhaba’s win in the North Indian category has resonated strongly in northern India, symbolising how regional cuisines can thrive and win hearts far from home.
This achievement is not just a personal or business milestone for Mohinder Singh Sethi but a celebration of India’s culinary unity in diversity. As Punjabis, we take immense pride in seeing one of our own excel on such a platform and spread the rich gastronomic heritage of our land — where food is not merely sustenance but an expression of warmth, generosity, and tradition.
Congratulations to Mohinder Singh Sethi and the entire team at Sethi Da Dhaba! May this award inspire more such cross-cultural success stories.
