India is a multicultural country. With
different regions and heritages
present in India, there are many cuisines which have been born as natives to
those specific regions. Be it the Litti Chokha from Bihar or the thick noodle
dish known as Thukpa and momos from Sikkim, there is a huge diversity when it
comes to regional
dishes and cuisines. With so many palates to choose from, it
would not be wrong to say that India is a country of foodies. With the use of a
variety of spices, the cuisines gain their distinct taste as well as character.
One of the most popular cuisines out of the lot will be Punjabi food. So here are ten of the best places to try the lip
smacking taste of the Punjabi Cuisine.
1.
Delhi
 |
| Butter chicken, Photo by Abhinav Baruah, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
The country’s capital is one of the most diverse places be it people from all around the nation or food from different regions. Being in close proximity to the homeland and the places heavily influenced by the Punjabi cuisine, the taste and the dishes are seen here in abundance. The famous ‘Paranthe Wali Gali’ serves numerous assortments of Parathas with fillings varying from Potatoes to Cheese and pretty much anything imaginable. There are also Kachoris as well as Lassi sold in clay containers to hit the right spots. Coming to restaurants, there are certain ones that have become the place for the cuisine. Be it Moti Mahal, Pind Balluchi or non-vegetarian delights in Punjabi Bagh, there is something for everyone to try and enjoy in Delhi.
2.
Amritsar
 |
| Make di roti and sarso da saag, Photo by Kunalpage in, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
The historical city of Amritsar has witnessed
a lot being in the center of our freedom struggles. Situated in Punjab which is
the birthplace of the cuisine, there is a hint of influence seen from the
neighboring countries. The Punjabi style dishes are also very popular there.
Here in Amritsar, the cuisine can be enjoyed in its full glory and variety.
Once here, do not be afraid to try new things as there is a good chance you
will find a favorite dish you had not heard of before. If you want that
typical, depicted in numerous Bollywood movies Makke Di Roti along with Sarso da saag, try it in a Dhaba to get the goodness sans any variation. For the
meaty delights, head to rose garden to enjoy dishes like Chaap, Butter Chicken etc. And if you are
visiting the Golden
Temple, do not miss out on the Langar and the Kada Prasad as it’s one of the best meals you will
ever have.
3.
Banaras
 |
| Paneer tikka, Photo by Riddhi Dharod, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Sounds like an odd place for the North Indian
cuisine, doesn’t it? But if you know where to go and what to order, you will
not be disappointed. Banaras blends the
spiritual being of humanity with its culinary varieties making it worthwhile
for your stomach and your soul. The
Lassi served here is legendary. The vegetarian preparations here are to die
for. Try any of the Paneer dishes at the
Sahi restaurant or take yourself to dinner at Rasna which is known for its
delicious preparations suited for every pocket and palate.
4.
Ludhiana
 |
Dhodha barfi, Photo by Thamizhpparithi Maari, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
At the heart of the birthplace lies Ludhiana, the place
where people live to eat. The sheer variety of Punjabi cooking is to die for.
Wherever you are in the city, you’ll find something delicious to eat and wash
it down with a cold beverage. Dhabas serve stuffed Parathas along with chole or achar. There is also A
large variety of Tandoori style cuisine in breads as well as dishes like the
much popular Tandoori Chicken. If you have a sweet tooth, do try the Dhodha Barfi made from milk, nuts
and sugar resulting in brown colored goodness which melts in your mouth.
5.
Chandigarh
 |
Rajma chawal, Photo by Ankur Gulati, CC BY-ND 2.0 |
A literal happy place for its denizens as
ranked in a poll, Chandigarh is a cosmopolitan Mecca of modern cuisine with
foodies having a large number of options suiting every price range. The food
scene of Chandigarh is diversified with multi cuisine restaurants but still
there are places to find your fix of Punjabi food. For street food, you can try
Rajma Chawal, Kadi Chawal or Kulchas
served with chutney and onions in the popular sector 17. There is also
traditional Butter Chicken or the Tandoori counterpart. There is Malai Kofta
from Copper Chimney and the much-revered chicken dishes as well. To eat and
then too, what to eat? That is the question.
6.
Jalandhar
 |
Home to the Daily Punjab Kesari and the old Capital city of Punjab, Jalandhar
has a rich past mixed with some exceptions along with a beautiful present.
Being one of the ancient cities of the country, there is bound to be a vivid
and interesting background. With a large presence of Sporting goods manufacturing
industry, this is where it all comes from. The bat that made those winning runs
in your favorite match was probably made here. Coming to the food scene here,
it is just plain awesome. The buttery goodness of the delicious Dal Makhani is evident from the fragrance emanating from
the little metal buckets from which it is served. Butter plays another crucial
role to give Butter Chicken its trademark mild yet spicy taste.
7.
Bathinda
 |
Stuffed parathans, Photo by Zeel Patel, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
With a very prevalent street food culture and
warm hospitality of the locals, Bathinda
is a great city to live in. The love is evident in the food served here. There
are great sweet shops, famous street stalls as well as the quintessential Dhaba
experience. Coming to Parathas, the staple bread as well as a standalone dish
going well with chutney or choles,
there is paratha stall in mall road called Giani Paratha. But don't be late as
the joint runs out of Parathas very fast. Treat yourself to the delights of
Amrik da Dhaba and for desserts, go to Manoj sweets and cap off a perfect food
day.
8.
Karnal
 |
Chicken biryani, Photo by Bordecia34, CC BY 2.0 |
In the agrarian society of India, Karnal has a
major place in the production as well as research fields in the country. Quite
an important city from strategic point of view during the British era, Karnal is a leader in the production of
a finer variety of rice known as Basmati. Due to this, it has acquired the
nickname of being the Rice bowl of India. Rice is a staple in many parts of the
country. For mouthwatering taste and homemade feel of Punjabi food, head over
to Kevals Dhaba for the delicious Butter Chicken and Roti. And for a classic
Punjabi experience, do not miss out on Haveli as it exudes Punjabi culture and
tasty dishes.
9.
Mohali
 |
Barbeque Chicken, Photo by dilanranjith, CC0 1.0 |
Situated just minutes from its neighboring city of
Chandigarh, Mohali
was renamed in recent times after the eldest scion of Guru Gobind Singh to
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. Its proximities to the well-planned city of
Chandigarh have helped its development as well. It also houses a Cricket
stadium where International matches as well as IPL matches are played. For
simple yet delicious vegetarian food, head over to Khalsa Vaishno Dhaba and indulge in Butter Naan and Dal Makhni. And
for the non-vegetarians, head over to Pappaji Chicken Corner and try the
Barbeque Chicken.
10.
Patiala
 |
| Chole bhature, Photo by Satish Krishnamurthy, CC BY 2.0 |
Patiala Shahi Pagdi to the notorious Patiala
Peg, the city has given names to many mass popular things in the country. In
older times, Patiala was a princely
state with influences of multiple dynasties visible in the cultural landscape.
The cuisine here is a perfect representation of Punjabi form of cooking with
bold use of flavors along with a generous helping of dairy products like Ghee and butter. Famous dishes which attracts
tourists to visit Patiala include non-veg
dishes such as Kebabs, Tandoori Chicken and in the vegetarian department, go and try Rajma Chawal as well as Chole
Bhature.
Guest Post by Rohit.
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