Dawat is an invitation — not just to eat, but to gather, to savor, and to celebrate. Rooted in the rich culinary traditions of South Asia, Dawat reflects the warmth of home and the elegance of a shared meal. Born from Chef Santokh Dhenjan’s lifelong journey through flavor and hospitality, this restaurant carries the name of his beginning and the heart of his purpose: to offer every guest a seat at the table, and a feast to remember.
When Chef Santokh Singh first arrived in the U.S. from his hometown in Punjab, India, he carried with him a lifelong passion for cooking. His culinary journey began at Dawat Haute Indian Cuisine, located at 210 E 58th St in New York City. There, he honed his craft in a kitchen that balanced tradition with fine dining, setting the foundation for what would become a remarkable career.
Chef Santokh then joined the team at Tamarind Tribeca, one of NYC’s premier Indian restaurants at 99 Hudson St. Tamarind’s reputation attracted countless celebrities—from Taylor Swift and Kevin Durant to Bill Clinton—and Chef Santokh’s contributions played a key role in the restaurant earning a Michelin Star. Though Tamarind continues to thrive, Chef Santokh left to pursue a dream of building something of his own.
That dream became reality when he co-founded Mahal, located at 290 Glen Cove Rd in Roslyn Heights, NY. After extensive renovations and his leadership in the kitchen, Mahal became a local success. Known for both his culinary skill and warm personality, Chef Santokh developed a devoted customer base. His work has been recognized on Newsday Long Island and featured on television during Diwali celebrations.
Now, Chef Santokh begins his next chapter with Dawat—a name chosen to honor the very first restaurant where his American journey began. As both owner and head chef, he brings decades of experience, authenticity, and heart to every dish, inviting guests to experience the essence of South Asian hospitality and flavor.
