When it comes to food, Punjab is a paradise. There’s something for everyone, from traditional Punjabi cuisine to modern fusion dishes. Punjab is known for its bold flavors, flavorful spices, and abundant use of dairy products. If you’re visiting this region of India, you won’t want to miss out on the delicious food options available. From rich curries to delicious desserts, here are 15 dishes you need to try in Punjab.
1) Sarson ka Saag
No visit to Punjab would be complete without tasting the famous Sarson ka Saag! This quintessential Punjabi dish is prepared using a combination of mustard leaves, bathua (chenopodium leaves), and spinach. This highly nutritious dish is cooked with garlic, onion, and ginger, then finished off with some butter and white jaggery. Served with makki ki roti (corn bread) or parathas, sarson ka saag is one of the most comforting dishes you’ll ever have! Its tangy and spicy taste is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more. So make sure to try this amazing dish when you’re in Punjab!
2) Makki di Roti
Makki di Roti is an iconic Punjabi dish that you simply cannot miss when you’re visiting Punjab. This flatbread is made with corn flour and is a staple of the cuisine in this region of India. The bread itself is traditionally cooked on a tandoor, or clay oven, and served with a dollop of homemade butter and a side of sarson ka saag. Makki di roti is best enjoyed with some pickles and homemade yogurt, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It’s a beloved dish throughout the region, so be sure to try it out when you’re there!
3) Dal Makhani
If you’re looking for an authentic Punjabi dish, then Dal Makhani should be at the top of your list. This iconic lentil-based dish is slow cooked in a creamy tomato and butter sauce to create a rich and flavorful experience. It’s usually served with hot naan or paratha bread and can be as spicy as you like. Dal makhani can be found in almost every restaurant in Punjab and is sure to leave your taste buds tingling!
4) Chole Bhature
When you’re in Punjab, one of the dishes you absolutely must try is chole bhature. This popular breakfast dish consists of a spicy chickpea curry and fried bread. The chickpeas are cooked in a flavorful masala made with a combination of spices like cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and more. The fried bread is usually a type of puri made from wheat flour and served hot and crispy. Chole bhature is often served with a side of pickles, chutneys, and onion slices. It is an incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Don’t miss out on this amazing Punjabi specialty!
5) Amritsari Kulcha
The first dish that you need to try when you’re in Punjab is Amritsari Kulcha. It is a flatbread made from refined flour that is lightly stuffed with mashed potatoes, onions and spices. The dough is then shallow fried on a tawa or griddle until it becomes crispy and golden brown. It’s usually served with chole masala (a spicy chickpea curry), pickles and chutney for a delicious flavor explosion.
Amritsari Kulcha is often eaten as a snack or light meal. Its flavor is unique, with the combination of flavors from the spices, potatoes, and onions creating an unforgettable taste. Many restaurants around Punjab serve this dish with a variety of accompaniments so you can choose the perfect accompaniment for your taste buds.
If you want to experience the best Amritsari Kulcha, head to Amritsar itself! This dish is said to have originated here and continues to be one of the most popular dishes in this city. You will find plenty of street vendors and restaurants serving up this amazing delicacy. And don’t forget to enjoy it with a glass of lassi (a yoghurt-based drink) – they are the perfect match!
6) Chicken Tikka
If you’re in Punjab, there’s one dish you simply must try: Chicken Tikka. This flavorful dish consists of marinated chicken that is then cooked in a tandoor oven until it’s perfectly tender and juicy. The perfect balance of spices, including chili powder, garam masala, and coriander, adds a delicious zing to this Punjabi delicacy. And because of the tandoor oven cooking method, the chicken is incredibly flavorful and just melts in your mouth. If you’re looking for something a bit more exotic, try Chicken Tikka Masala – a creamy tomato-based sauce is added to the cooked chicken to make this delectable dish even better. Whether you try it as a main meal or an appetizer, you won’t regret it!
7) Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a classic Punjabi dish that’s become popular around the world. This creamy and flavorful dish is made with chicken marinated in a spiced yoghurt mixture, and cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy. The gravy is made by simmering tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, chilli peppers, and spices like garam masala, cumin, and cardamom. To finish off the dish, generous amounts of butter are added, giving it its signature richness. Butter chicken is usually served with basmati rice or naan bread, and can be accompanied by other accompaniments such as chutney or salad. If you’re visiting Punjab, make sure to try this classic dish – you won’t regret it!
8) Seekh Kebab
If you’re looking for the quintessential Punjabi dish, look no further than seekh kebab. These delicious spiced kebabs are made with minced lamb, beef or chicken and cooked over charcoal fire. They are usually served as starters and can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments, including chutneys, mint raita or sliced onions. The perfect blend of spices like garam masala, coriander powder and cumin powder gives the kebab its signature flavor. The exterior is crunchy while the inside is succulent and juicy. If you’re looking for a flavorful snack to kick off your meal in Punjab, seekh kebab is the way to go!
9) Chicken Curry
When it comes to traditional Punjabi cuisine, one of the first dishes that come to mind is Chicken Curry. This delicious dish is made with tender chicken, simmered in a thick, spicy gravy. It is a great option for those looking for a flavorful meal that can be served with rice or roti. The ingredients used to make this dish vary from region to region, but typically include a blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, chilies, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and other spices. This curry is sure to leave your taste buds tingling with delight!
10) Goat Curry
When it comes to delicious, traditional Punjabi food, goat curry is a must-try. A specialty of the region, goat curry is an aromatic and flavorful dish made with a variety of spices and herbs. The meat is cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and a hint of chili powder for a spicy kick. The addition of potatoes and tomatoes brings out the flavor even more and makes the dish a great accompaniment to rice or roti.
Goat curry is a popular dish in Punjab and can be found in many restaurants throughout the region. It is sure to tantalize your taste buds and will be an unforgettable part of your culinary journey through Punjab. Enjoy this unique dish while you are in the area!
11) Lassi
There’s no better way to cool down after a hot summer day than by indulging in a refreshing glass of lassi. This popular Punjabi drink is made with yogurt, water, and spices, and it’s incredibly delicious! You’ll find that lassi comes in both sweet and savory varieties, but the most popular type is sweet, flavored with cardamom, rosewater, and saffron. Whether you’re drinking it at a roadside dhaba or a fancy restaurant, lassi is sure to be a hit. And if you’re looking to make it yourself at home, there are plenty of recipes available online. Enjoy this flavorful treat during your time in Punjab!
12) Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is an Indian dessert that is popular all over the world. Originating from the state of Punjab in India, this classic sweet dish has been delighting taste buds for centuries. Made with a combination of fried dough balls and sugary syrup, Gulab Jamun is an irresistible treat that you should definitely try when you visit Punjab.
The dough balls are made with a combination of flour, milk powder, baking soda, cardamom and ghee or clarified butter. The dough is then deep-fried in ghee until it’s golden-brown before being submerged in a fragrant syrup flavored with rosewater, saffron and cardamom. The result is a perfectly sweet and spongy dessert that is sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Gulab Jamun is best enjoyed with a cup of masala chai or hot milk. This simple yet scrumptious dessert is usually served at festivals, weddings and special occasions in Punjab. If you’re ever in the area, make sure you indulge in this delightful treat!
13) Jalebi
If you’re traveling to Punjab, you absolutely must try the famous jalebi. Jalebi is a deep-fried sweet made from a batter of flour, sugar, and yogurt. After being deep fried, the golden brown jalebi is soaked in syrup to give it a distinctive flavor and sweetness.
This traditional dessert can be served either hot or cold, but it’s best enjoyed fresh and hot from the street side vendor! You can find jalebi all over Punjab, from market stalls to restaurant menus. It’s an essential part of Punjabi cuisine and a great way to finish off your meal.
The combination of crispy, crunchy jalebi with the syrupy sweetness is absolutely irresistible. Be sure to try some when you’re in Punjab!
14) Kheer
Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert that can be found in Punjab. Made from rice and milk, this sweet treat is often flavored with cardamom, saffron, almonds, and other spices. It’s also a popular choice for special occasions like weddings or religious festivals. It’s creamy and sweet, making it the perfect way to end a meal. Enjoy this rich and indulgent dessert with friends and family!
15) Halwa
When you visit Punjab, make sure to try out their delicious halwa! Halwa is a type of Indian sweet made with ghee, sugar, wheat flour, nuts, and other flavors. It is usually served as a dessert, but can also be served as a snack. Halwa is especially popular in the region of Punjab, where it’s made in many different varieties. One type is called mawa halwa, which is made with mawa (a kind of condensed milk), sugar, and cardamom, and sometimes served with nuts or raisins. Another type is made with carrots and is called gajar halwa. The texture of halwa is usually creamy and dense, and it has a rich, sweet flavor. Halwa is the perfect way to end any meal in Punjab – be sure to try it when you visit!
Final Word
When it comes to experiencing the amazing food that Punjab has to offer, the list of delicious dishes is endless. From dal makhni to saag paneer, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of rich, spicy curries or lighter veggie dishes, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds when you’re in Punjab.
When it comes to regional cuisine, Punjab really stands out. From its mouth-watering array of snacks and sweets, to its rich and flavorful curries and biryani, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack on the go or a full-fledged feast, these 15 dishes are a must-try when you’re in Punjab.
So if you’re planning a trip to the state, be sure to make the most of it with these delicious Punjabi dishes. And when you do get to sample some of these amazing flavors, don’t forget to let us know in the comments below!
Punjab is home to some of India’s most unique and delicious cuisines. Whether you’re a fan of traditional curries or more modern takes on classic dishes, you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds when you visit Punjab. So make sure to add these 15 dishes to your must-try list and enjoy all the amazing flavors that Punjab has to offer.
