History was served one course at a time as Inkpot India presented the inaugural edition of The Living Table, an immersive cultural and culinary experience exploring the journeys, memories and migrations that have shaped North Indian cuisine. Set across the historic Kathika Cultural Centre and Neem Ki Haveli in the heart of Old Delhi, the evening brought together historians, chefs, authors and cultural enthusiasts for a thoughtfully curated dialogue that culminated in a storytelling-led dining experience.The evening opened with a conversation on the migration of food across kingdoms, communities and borders, examining how centuries of cultural exchange shaped what is today recognised as North Indian cuisine. Moderated by Simar Malhotra, Founder of Inkpot India, the discussion featured Monish Gujral, Chairman of Moti Mahal; renowned food historian, Persian scholar and author Salma Husain; and chef, author and food writer Sadaf Hussain. Together, the speakers traced the evolution of culinary traditions—from kebabs and tandoori cooking to recipes that travelled across the subcontinent before and after Partition—revealing how food continues to preserve histories of migration, adaptation and identity.
Moderated by Simar Malhotra, Founder of Inkpot India, the discussion featured Monish Gujral, Chairman of Moti Mahal; renowned food historian, Persian scholar and author Salma Husain; and chef, author and food writer Sadaf Hussain
The conversation transitioned into an intimate sit-down dinner at Neem Ki Haveli, where the stories continued through a specially curated menu inspired by the culinary traditions of undivided Punjab. Conceptualised around the idea of food as living heritage, each course was introduced by Monish Gujral and prepared by Moti Mahal, retracing the journey of flavours that crossed borders and found a new home in modern India while recounting the legacy of the Gujral family and one of India’s most celebrated culinary institutions.Among the evening’s highlights was the story behind the iconic Makhni-dipped Tandoori Chicken, the innovation that eventually evolved into the globally loved Butter Chicken. Guests were also introduced to lesser-known regional preparations such as Dhoop Chau, with every course unfolding another chapter in the shared history of migration, memory and belonging.
Sadaf Hussain and Aman Nath
The evening was attended by distinguished guests including historian, writer and founder-chairman of Neemrana Hotels Aman Nath, Atul Khanna, Founder and Curator of Kathika Cultural Centre, alongside patrons of food, art and heritage, diplomats and international guests. Set against the restored haveli’s architectural grandeur, candlelit tables and a live sitar and tabla performance created an atmosphere where conversation, music and cuisine came together as a single immersive experience.With The Living Table, Inkpot India introduced a new cultural format that brings together gastronomy, heritage and storytelling, inviting audiences to engage with India’s history not only through conversation, but also through the flavours that continue to define its culinary identity.
