Established in 1913, the original location in the Jama Masjid area of Delhi was founded by Haji Karimuddin, a cook from the royal court of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

The historic flagship restaurant is located in Gali Kababian near Jama Masjid, Old Delhi since its inception in 1913.

However, in 1911, when Delhi Durbar was held for the coronation of the King George V, Mohammed Awaiz’s son Haji Karimuddin moved back to Delhi with an innovative idea of opening a Dhaba with the Mughal culinary, to cater the people coming from all over India to join the coronation.

Haji Karimuddin started the Dhaba selling just two items of Aloo gosht (mutton with potatoes) and Daal (lentil curry) served with Rumali Roti.

In 1913, Haji Karimuddin established the flagship location of Karim Hotel in Gali Kababian, near Jama Masjid, Delhi saying, "I want to earn fame and money by serving the royal food to the common man".