'If made from the heart, people will feel it': This Punjabi dhaba in Kochi won Kerala’s Best Restaurant Award. How 2 brothers fulfilled their mother's dream through faith, cultural diversity, and love

Food has a way of bridging cultures and bringing people together. Bonding over delicious dishes is a long-practised ritual in India. Even today, as people move out of their hometowns in search of better career opportunities, education, and new beginnings, food continues to serve as a powerful emotional anchor. We hang out with friends in new cities over shared laughter and meals. Similarly, we return home for vacations only to bond with our families over home-cooked delicacies. Now, Mohinder Singh Sethi and his brother Manjit Singh Sethi from Punjab have followed this tradition, taking their Punjabi restaurant, Sethi Da Dhaba in Kochi, to new heights.

A mother’s dream turned to reality

For the unversed, Sethi Da Dhaba specialises in delicious Punjabi cuisine, known for its robust flavours and warm hospitality that has become a rage in the state of Kerala. The dining marvel won the Manorama Online Golden Clove Award 2026 for Best North Indian Culinary Excellence in April 2026.


As per a report by The Better India, Mohinder and Manjit Singh Sethi’s mother, Satwant Kaur, originally planted the idea of opening a Punjabi restaurant in Kochi. But her dream could not see the light of day as she passed away in 2014. But the 2 brothers were determined to fulfil their mother’s dream, despite having zero experience in running a food business. They launched Sethi Da Dhaba in February 2015 with no elaborate promotions, but simply holding onto faith.

All about Punjabi restaurant Sethi Da Dhaba

But Kochi, being a South Indian city, bold, spicy and rich Punjabi flavours were fairly a new concept to the people. As a result, the footfall was slow but Mohinder and Manjit Singh Sethi did not give up. Staying true to their cultural roots and traditional ingredients, Mohinder Singh decided to serve authentic Punjabi dishes without using any shortcuts or artificial colours, preparing lip-smacking meals with sheer love and dedication.

Soon, Sethi Da Dhaba expanded its business, becoming famous for its classic Punjabi spread, ranging from butter chicken, fragrant biryani, tandoori delights, rich dal tadkas and makhanis, roasted kebabs, and refreshing lassis. As per the restaurant’s official website, their motto is to present patrons with fresh and warm dhaba-style meals, often spotted along the roadside kerbs or highway sidelines.


Besides his culinary talent, Mohinder Singh Sethi is also fluent in the Malayalam dialect, as was seen in a video when he appeared for an interview. Even Shahsi Tharoor was impressed by the restaurateur’s flawless speaking skills in Malayalam and re-shared Mohinder’s interview on his official X-handle.