In Punjab, food is not just sustenance; it expresses love, celebration, and pure indulgence. From the iconic sarson da saag and makki di roti to the sizzling and buttery dal makhani, every dish tells a story and carries the essence of Punjabi culture.
Prepare yourself for the symphony of flavors that Punjabi dishes offer – tangy, spicy, whether you’re a fan of hearty curries or irresistible desserts like the sooji ka halwa. We’ve got you covered.
So, buckle up and join us on this delectable adventure as we explore the iconic dhabas, uncover hidden culinary gems, and indulge in the irresistible traditional food of Punjab.
Traditional dishes of Punjab you shouldn’t miss;
- Kadha Prashad
- Pinni
- Punjabi Chhole MasalaÂ
- Dal Makhani
- Aam Papad
- Sarso ka Saag & Makke ki Roti
- Dhaba Dal
- Kadhi Chawal
- Bhatti Da Murg Pindiwala
- Panjiri
Kadha Prashad
Hold on to your turbans and get ready for a sweet sensation that will make your taste buds sing! Kadha Prashad, the traditional food of Punjab, is a superhero of desserts and is like a sugar-coated hug for your soul. One spoonful of this golden delight and you’ll be floating on a sugary cloud, dreaming of Punjab’s sweet paradise. Kadha Prashad in Punjab and for Punjabis is not just yet another random dessert, they find it as a blessing coming directly to them from the divine soul.Â
Places to eat: Golden Temple- Amritsar, Durgiana Temple- Amritsar, Gurudwara Nanaksar- Jagraon, Gurudwara Baba Budha Sahib Ji- Thatha
Pinni
Have you ever tasted a bite-sized explosion of happiness? Enter Pinni, the famous Punjabi dish that’s here to bring a smile to your face! These little balls of sweet heaven are packed with nuts, ghee, and love. One bite and you’ll be saying, “Who needs regular energy bars when you can have Pinni power?”
Places to eat: Guru Kripa- Patiala, Ghantewala Halwai- Jalandhar, Bansal Sweets- Patiala, Bharawan Da Dhaba- Amritsar
Punjabi Chhole Masala
Hold on tight, because Punjabi Chhole Masala is about to take you on a flavor-packed adventure! These chickpeas are not your average legumes. They’re like little flavor ninjas, infused with a zesty blend of spices that will make your taste buds groove. Brace yourself for a taste explosion that’s truly chholenomenal!
Places to eat: Kulcha Land- Amritsar, Pal Dhaba- Chandigarh, Pind Balluchi- Ludhiana, Bittu Meat Wala- Amritsar
Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani, the smooth operator of Punjabi dishes, is here to butter you up with its creamy goodness! This luscious lentil dish, slowly cooked with love and a generous dollop of butter, is like a cozy hug for your taste buds. One spoonful and you’ll be dancing with joy, Punjabi style!
Places to eat: Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale- Ludhiana, Rajan Ka Dhaba- Jalandhar, Amritsari Kulcha Corner- Amritsar
Aam Papad
Aam Papad, Punjab’s favourite sticky wonder and traditional dish of Punjab is about to take us on a fruity journey, so hold on tight, everyone! Every bite of this acidic, chewy dessert feels refreshing and sunny. It’s like your taste buds are tangoing as they move to the Punjabi rhythms mixed with mango. Amazingly interesting!
Places to eat: Amritsari Aam Papad Wala- Amritsar, Aggarwal Sweets- Amritsar, Haveli- Jalandhar, Pehalwan Da Dhaba- Patiala
Sarso ka Saag & Makke ki Roti
Let’s talk about a Punjabi duo that’s as iconic as a Bollywood jodi – Sarso ka Saag and Makke ki Roti! This dynamic duo of leafy greens and cornmeal flatbread is like a match made in foodie heaven. They stick together like true soulmates, leaving you to enjoy the traditional dish of Punjab.
Places to eat: Lucky Vaishno Dhaba- Ludhiana, Chawla Chicken- Ludhiana, Lucky Vaishno Dhaba- Ludhiana, Sharma Dhaba- Mohali
Dhaba Dal
Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and flavor with Dhaba Dal, the superhero of Punjabi dishes! This hearty lentil dish is like a warm hug from your foodie best friend. With its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and a dollop of desi ghee, Dhaba Dal is the ultimate soul food that will have you saying, “Dal-icious!”
Places to eat: Sukhdev Dhaba- Jalandhar, Highway Dhaba- Phagwara, Kainth Dhaba- Nawanshahr, Sher-E-Punjab Dhaba- Ludhiana
Kadhi Chawal
Kadhi Chawal, a traditional food of Punjab, invites us to embark on a spicy journey. The beautiful marriage of fluffy rice and creamy yoghurt curry is like a warm hug for your taste buds. The flavors and spices dance in perfect unison in your mouth, as at a Bollywood dance party. A bowl of kadhi chawal would surely spice up your life!
Places to eat: New Kundan Dhaba- Patiala, Harbhajan Singh Dhaba- Ludhiana, Kake Da Hotel- Chandigarh
Bhatti Da Murg Pindiwala
Bhatti Da Murg Pindiwala, a traditional dish of Punjab delight, is marinated in a secret blend of spices, grilled to perfection in a clay oven, and served with a side of lip-smacking chutney. It’s so good, even the chickens can’t resist a taste! Get ready to unleash your inner foodie rockstar and devour this finger-licking goodness!
Places to eat: Al Fresco- Amritsar, Singh Chicken Corner- Ludhiana, Bhajan Meat Shop- Amritsar
Panjiri
Get ready to dive into the world of Punjab’s superfood, Panjiri! This powerhouse treat is like a secret weapon of Punjabi moms, packed with nuts, ghee, and love. It’s the ultimate energy boost that will make you feel like a superhero. One bite and you’ll be saying, “Move over, granola bars, Panjiri is my new snack savior!”
Places to eat: Ahuja Lassi and Sweet Shop- Amritsar, Kesar Di Hatti- Amritsar, Pehalwan Da Dhaba- Jalandhar
From the buttery richness of makki di roti to the spicy tang of chole bhature, these Punjabi dishes are sure to tingle your taste buds and leave you craving for more! Remember, when in Punjab, eat like a Punjabi!
