Karma
5-Course Experimental Indian Tasting Event
Just step into this Penn Quarter restaurant and you will find soaring ceilings, large windows, and a pleasing navy-and-white palette that sets it apart from the typical Indian establishment. Then taste the food. Chef Ajay Kumar, a New Delhi native, is taking Indian cuisine to the next level with unconventional menu items like octopus, duck, and quinoa. Traditional favorites like naan, palak paneer, and chicken tikka are all given their honored place on the menu, but there is also room for surprising touches like truffle oil, pesto, and star fruit. Another surprise? As the name “Karma” suggests, there are real ethical underpinnings to this enterprise, with a portion of the restaurant’s sales going to charities that aim to help children in impoverished communities around the world. “India is my favorite journey,” says Washington Post restaurant reviewer Tom Sietsmea. “Karma reminds me why.” Take the journey with us as we move into Karma Modern Indian for the evening. Chef Kumar will be coming in and out of the kitchen to answer your questions and tell you everything you always wanted to know about one of the world’s great cuisines.
About the Host:

Ajay Kumar
Executive Chef
Chef Kumar worked for years in five Star hotels in his hometown of New Delhi, including Grand Hyatt and Hotel Nikko, before moving to D.C. in 2007. He worked very successfully as a private caterer before taking on the Executive Chef role at Karma in 2018.
The Lineup
Each course will be served family-style with either 2 or 3 portions/plate depending on the number of guests you are bringing to the event (i.e. if you are attending with one guest, you will be served two portions/plate). Solo attendees will receive individually-plated courses.
-
Tamarind Potato Sphere
with crunchy chickpea vermicelli and beetroot chutney
-
Seekh Kebab
with minced lamb and house blend of spices
-
Pan Seared Scallops
with sesame seeds and red pepper sauce
-
Chicken Chettinad
with peppercorn, curry leaves, and mustard seeds
-
Raspberry Ras Malai
with fresh milk curds
Karma
611 I St NW
Washington, DC 20001
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $80 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event the chef will provide substitutions for critical food allergies/dietary restrictions but will not make menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). If you have restrictions/allergies, please make sure to Update Your Dietary Restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know.
- What COVID safety precautions will be taken at this event?
- At this event, we will be accommodating all requests for separate tables rather than communal seating. Additionally, all food will be served individually-plated rather than family-style. As per local guidelines, as well as the restaurant’s own policy, attendees will not be required to present proof of vaccination for entry.