Chef Bharat Khemani – Carrying the Culinary Torch of a Legacy Brand into the Modern Era |From Karachi Halwa House to Digital Fame: A Culinary Legacy |Legacy Restaurateur, WACS Judge, and Food Influencer |Delhi’s Culinary Torchbearer with 24+ Years of Innovation |Chef Bharat Khemani – Culinary Judge & Heritage Restaurateur
A Heritage Steeped in Flavor and Family
In the bustling heart of New Delhi, amid the aroma of spices and the clatter of tiffin boxes, stands a name that has endured generations—Karachi Halwa House. Established in 1943, this iconic establishment is not just a sweets shop or a caterer; it is a legacy. And at the helm of this culinary heritage today is Chef Bharat Khemani, a third-generation culinary visionary, food media personality, and certified global culinary judge who seamlessly blends tradition with modern innovation.
Born into a family where food was not just a business but an identity, Bharat was raised in an environment where recipes were treated like heirlooms and every meal was a carefully orchestrated celebration. His grandfather, the founder of Karachi Halwa House, laid the foundation with pure dedication, delivering sweets and meals that echoed authenticity. His father nurtured it through decades of change. And now, Bharat stands tall—bringing fresh energy, creativity, and global relevance to a brand rooted in Indian soil.
Nutmeg Caterings – Curating Culinary Excellence for the Elite
Founded by Chef Bharat Khemani, Nutmeg Caterings is a premier bespoke catering brand based in New Delhi, rooted in tradition but driven by modern innovation. Born from a legacy of over 80 years under the banner of Karachi Halwa House, Nutmeg was envisioned to elevate catering into a curated, fine-dining experience for VVIPs, Bollywood celebrities, corporate leaders, and discerning hosts.
Nutmeg Caterings specializes in high-end outdoor events, intimate gatherings, movie screenings, destination weddings, and gourmet launches—each event meticulously designed to offer a unique culinary narrative. Chef Bharat brings his creative mastery, deep understanding of regional Indian and international cuisines, and his team of expert chefs and service professionals to craft personalized menus that blend flavor with flair.
What sets Nutmeg apart is its attention to detail—from menu customization and ingredient sourcing to live counters and thematic presentation. Every dish is created with a focus on quality, taste, hygiene, and storytelling. Whether it’s a royal Indian thali, Mediterranean tapas, or plant-based global fusion, Nutmeg ensures every bite leaves a lasting impression.
With Nutmeg Caterings, Chef Bharat Khemani has not just built a brand—he’s built a benchmark in luxury catering where every event becomes a gourmet memory.
Childhood: Where Taste and Legacy First Met
Growing up in a household where culinary conversations were as common as cricket matches on television, young Bharat was a curious observer. He watched his elders knead, stir, temper, and taste—absorbing the rhythms of a professional kitchen while understanding the sacred trust customers placed in their family name.
His earliest memories include waking up to the aroma of saffron-laced halwa, helping in the kitchen during festivals, and watching chefs skillfully prepare dishes for wedding orders and VIP events. Even as a child, Bharat was not a passive spectator. He was inquisitive—asking questions, offering to stir pots, sneaking tastes, and slowly realizing that food was more than sustenance. It was emotion. It was art. It was power.
Education: From Classroom to Kitchen
To honor his growing passion and sharpen his natural talent, Bharat enrolled at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Lucknow, one of India’s premier culinary institutions. There, he received formal training in culinary arts, hospitality management, and kitchen science. This phase of his life was formative—not just because of what he learned, but because it connected him with chefs from across the country and world.
While others may have treated education as a stepping stone, Bharat saw it as a proving ground. His mentors often described him as “curious with purpose”—someone who never settled for surface-level answers. His projects often centered on traditional Indian techniques, but he always found a way to innovate, whether through plating, fusion, or storytelling.
Today, Bharat continues to push himself academically, pursuing a Master’s in Tourism & Travel Management from IGNOU, deepening his understanding of the broader hospitality ecosystem.
The Launchpad: Reimagining Karachi Halwa House
Upon returning to the family business after his formal training, Bharat was entrusted with something more than just operations. He was asked to reimagine the brand. While the core values of Karachi Halwa House—purity, consistency, and taste—remained sacred, Bharat sought to modernize everything else. He introduced systems for quality control, digitized processes, trained the kitchen staff on global hygiene standards, and developed newer menus that catered to both legacy customers and modern palates.
This transformation was not easy. There were skeptics who resisted change and loyalists who didn’t want anything to tamper with tradition. But Bharat struck the perfect balance—retaining the soul of the cuisine while embracing efficiency and freshness. Today, under his leadership, Karachi Halwa House is not only a beloved institution in Delhi but also a brand with national relevance and international ambition.
Entrepreneurial Leap: Founding Nutmeg Caterings
While revitalizing his family legacy, Bharat also dreamed of building something of his own. This vision materialized in the form of Nutmeg Caterings—a luxury catering brand focused on high-profile events, Bollywood screenings, and VVIP clientele.
Through Nutmeg Caterings, Bharat combined the discipline of traditional catering with the creative freedom of a personal kitchen. No two menus were ever the same. His approach was bespoke, curated, and customer-first. Clients came not just for food, but for culinary experiences. Whether it was an intimate wedding, a film wrap party, or a corporate gala, Bharat infused each event with flavors that lingered and stories that stayed.
His team at Nutmeg included chefs trained under him, handpicked service professionals, and logistics staff who treated every assignment with military precision. Nutmeg Caterings grew rapidly, thanks to word-of-mouth praise and social media virality.
A Voice on the Airwaves: From Radio Kitchens to FM Gold
Chef Bharat’s ability to engage went beyond the plate. His warm voice, encyclopedic food knowledge, and engaging style made him a perfect fit for the media world. He first co-hosted a popular morning show on Radio Mirchi 91.1 FM alongside RJ Ginnie Mahajan, India’s leading radio personality. The show brought food into people’s homes during their morning routines—sharing tips, anecdotes, interviews, and little-known culinary facts.
Today, Bharat hosts his own show on Akashvani AIR FM Gold 106.4 FM & 101.1 FM, where his passion for food finds a broader platform. His voice now reaches thousands of kitchens, helping listeners understand seasonal ingredients, cooking hacks, and the deeper meaning of food in our lives.
He has redefined what it means to be a chef in the 21st century—not just a creator of dishes but a communicator, a cultural custodian, and an educator.
Digital Domination: Reels, Reach, and Real Impact
In an age of Instagram and reels, Bharat Khemani is not just present—he is prominent. With a digital reach of over 650,000+ followers, and culinary content that has crossed 1 million views, he has become a food influencer in the truest sense of the word.
His short-form videos offer more than entertainment—they are informative, rooted in science, and often emotionally resonant. From explaining why certain dishes taste better in clay pots to showing how to cut onions without crying, his content is versatile and human.
More importantly, his digital presence is authentic. He doesn’t chase trends for the sake of virality. Every reel, post, or story reflects his identity—grounded in Indian culinary wisdom, sprinkled with global inspiration.
His content has been featured by food platforms, culinary forums, and even tourism bodies. With over 2,000+ hours of cumulative watch time, Bharat’s digital footprint is shaping how India consumes culinary content.
Certified Excellence: A WACS Culinary Judge
Chef Bharat Khemani’s credibility is not limited to his popularity. He is an Internationally Certified Culinary Judge by WACS (World Association of Chefs Societies)—a recognition that reflects his technical expertise, fairness, and culinary ethics.
As a judge, he has evaluated national and international culinary competitions, offering mentorship and feedback to emerging chefs. His judging style is constructive, rooted in knowledge, and focused on nurturing talent rather than just ranking it.
He is also an Executive Member of the Indian Culinary Forum, through which he contributes to shaping India’s culinary future—advocating for chef welfare, culinary education, and sustainable practices.
Sustainability Advocate: The Aqua Marine Initiative
In an era where food systems face ecological threats, Chef Bharat has aligned his voice with sustainability. As a Panel Speaker & Moderator for the Aqua Marine Promotion Council, he has spoken on responsible seafood consumption, aquaculture education, and accessibility of affordable protein.
His perspective is unique—bridging culinary artistry with ecological awareness. He encourages chefs to use underutilized species, adopt zero-waste techniques, and educate consumers on mindful choices.
His work in sustainability is ongoing and deeply personal. For Bharat, a sustainable chef is not just one who avoids plastic, but one who inspires entire communities to eat responsibly.
A Mentor, Not Just a Chef
Perhaps the most unspoken part of Bharat’s legacy is his impact on people. From interns in his kitchens to young chefs at competitions, from FM listeners to Instagram followers—Chef Bharat is seen as a mentor.
He dedicates time to mentoring culinary students, offering guidance on career paths, personal branding, and skill development. His humility makes him approachable. His knowledge makes him respected.
He often says, “Every chef needs two knives—one for cooking, the other for carving their own path.” Through mentorship, he helps others carve their way in a crowded industry.
Culinary Philosophy: Beyond the Flame
Chef Bharat Khemani’s approach to food is deeply rooted in emotion, science, and storytelling. He believes that cooking begins in the heart before it enters the kitchen. Every dish, he says, should answer three questions:
- What does it represent?
- Who is it for?
- Why does it matter?
This philosophy allows him to create food that is not just delicious but meaningful. His culinary creations reflect regional authenticity, seasonal intelligence, and cultural memory. He often incorporates forgotten grains, lost techniques, and regional narratives—reviving them for the modern table.
For him, food is memory. It is medicine. It is identity. And every time he picks up a ladle, he pours these values into what he serves.
The Road Ahead: Vision 2030
As Chef Bharat looks to the future, his ambitions are clear and purpose-driven. He wants to:
- Expand Nutmeg Caterings into India’s first Michelin-oriented catering brand.
- Launch a culinary media platform where chefs can share stories, struggles, and recipes.
- Build a culinary museum in Delhi documenting India’s street food and home-cooked heritage.
- Continue mentoring through schools and online masterclasses.
- Represent India at more international chef forums and cultural diplomacy events.
For Bharat, success is not just about being known. It’s about being remembered—for integrity, innovation, and impact.
The Journey of Chef Bharat Khemani – A Legacy Reimagined
Chef Bharat Khemani’s culinary journey is rooted in legacy and lifted by innovation. Born into the family behind Karachi Halwa House, an iconic establishment founded in 1943 in New Delhi, Bharat grew up in an atmosphere where food was more than a business—it was a cultural responsibility. From a young age, he observed the dedication, precision, and heart that went into every recipe, whether it was halwa prepared for festivals or gourmet meals served at high-profile events. Those childhood moments weren’t just memories—they were lessons.
Fuelled by that early passion, Bharat pursued formal training at IHM Lucknow, one of India’s premier hotel management institutes. Armed with technical expertise and a deep-rooted understanding of Indian flavors, he returned to uplift the family brand. But instead of merely preserving tradition, he chose to evolve it. Under his guidance, Karachi Halwa House saw a transformation—maintaining its soul while adapting to modern-day expectations of quality, hygiene, and innovation.
Taking a bold step forward, Chef Bharat founded Nutmeg Caterings, a premium catering service known for crafting personalized culinary experiences for VVIP clients, Bollywood stars, and high-end events. Here, he brought together artistry and operational excellence, offering food that not only pleased the palate but told a story.
Beyond the kitchen, Bharat became a familiar voice on the airwaves—first co-hosting a morning show on Radio Mirchi 91.1 FM, and later hosting his own culinary program on Akashvani AIR FM Gold. Through these platforms, he reached thousands, sharing food wisdom, sustainability insights, and stories that connected listeners to India’s diverse food heritage.
Today, with over 650,000 followers on social media and a WACS-certified culinary judge title to his name, Chef Bharat continues to inspire. He advocates for sustainability, mentors aspiring chefs, judges culinary competitions, and actively contributes to industry forums like the Indian Culinary Forum.
His journey is not just about climbing the ladder of success. It’s about honoring a legacy while forging a new path, embracing change without losing identity, and above all—using food as a language to inspire, educate, and unite.
Chef Bharat Khemani’s story is one that blends tradition with transformation, reminding us that culinary excellence is born where roots meet vision.