Ordering your next Punjabi Platter? Here are some Insights of Punjabi Cuisine and Authentic Restaurants in India

As Indians, we are very much inclined towards Punjabi cuisine, especially when dining out. We all love digging into it throughout the seasons, whether someone is from the South or the East. The platters—they’re all so simple, healthy, and linked to the land that radiates its rich history, culture, and lifestyle of Punjab. And why not, when gastronomy is defined by its historic agrarian legacy inherent from Harappan times?

Even today, Punjab is considered to be a significant contributor to major crops that are shared across the states in India. The state boasts a love for grain and seasonal veggies, making its dishes stand out among other Indian culinary cultures. So yeah, if you are looking for sarson da saag and makki di roti while fiddling with keywords like Punjabi restaurants near me, in Google, then it’s a no-brainer. But before you order the next Punjabi platter, you should know about the rich and intriguing history of Punjabi cuisine in India. Only then you will savor it like a gourmet. Secondly, if you don’t know the best restaurants that cook authentic Punjabi dishes, how can you get the actual taste of Punjab? Don’t worry, as in this blog we will unravel everything about Punjabi cuisine as well as the renowned restaurants that serve the best of the best in your city.

The Epic Saga and Characteristics of Punjabi Cuisine in India

If we look at the overall history, we will see the vast number of invaders who successfully marched across the Khyber Pass since the tenth century, marking a lasting imprint on the culinary heritage of the geography.

A comprehensive network of trade routes interlinked with the Silk Road resulted in a boosted influx of plants, ingredients, cooking styles, and dishes, including the subtle, slow-cooked tribal fare from the North Western Frontier Province. As a matter of fact, Peshawar introduced the tradition of roasted fish and meats like the flavorful mutton burra. Over time, with the capitalization of the Silk Road, the region was imbibed with diverse culinary influences, brought by the Punjabis-Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim alike.

Subsequently, Punjabi cuisine was the focal point of the Mughal invaders which impacted it heavily. For instance, the tradition of the great Tandoor which is today known as Punjabi Tandoori and widely savored across the country is influenced by the Mughals. There are other regional cookery influences, which when dug meticulously can be correlated with the culinary traditions of Punjab. For instance, Rawalpindi imbibed culinary influences from Kashmir; Baluchistan, and finally Amritsar whose chief crops are wheat, barley, gram, pulses, and sugarcane.

In terms of defining the primary culinary characteristics of Punjabi cuisine, it can be derived from three-pointers-

  • The primary masala incorporated in most dishes is garlic, onion, ginger, and a mass of tomatoes fried in pure ghee.
  • Most items are influenced by dairy products, in the form of malai (cream), curd, butter, and paneer (cottage cheese).
  • All lentils (especially yellow and black gram) are part of Punjabi cuisine. Chana or Rajma is also heavily incorporated.

Also, there are some intriguing pieces of equipment that define the cultural heritage of Punjabi cuisine-

  • Tandoor: A clay oven chamber that is lit with live charcoal. It is generally used for baking diverse Indian breads, kebabs, and other items.
  • Madhani: It’s a wooden churner affixed to a brass pot. The Punjabis generally use it to churn out butter from cream.
  • Patiala- Manufactured with brass and comes with a lid, this equipment is used when an item has to be boiled, sauteed or simmered. Sometimes they are also used for making gravies. They come in various sizes too, depending upon the quantity of the item that will be cooked.

There are others as well, but the ones described above are more than enough to give you an image of the unique Punjabi culinary heritage of India.

Some Authentic Punjabi Restaurants Across India

Now that you have the taste of Punjab, India through literature, it is time to taste it through your taste buds. Let’s dive into some of the authentic Punjabi restaurants across the country. Who knows, the ones in your city might be mentioned too! Say goodbye to the long research times in Google with keywords- chole bhature restaurants near me. Read on to unlock the best spots near you-

  • Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi- Located in the iconic Connaught Place, Delhi, this dhaba justifies the taste of typical Punjabi cuisines, though several kilometers away from Punjab. Try its popular dal makhana, cheese naans, and butter chicken.
  • Punjab Grill- Apart from their replenishing lassi, you can try their dal makhani, kebabs, and soups. Some locals also dig their butter chicken and chicken tikka platter.
  • Tadka Singh, Bengaluru- With prompt service and an affordable menu, this place is winning the hearts of the electronic city by crafting authentic Punjabi cuisine. Its toothsome chole bhature, naan, and kheer are the most sought-after platters.
  • Oye Kake, Mumbai- This Punjabi restaurant in the cinematic city serves lip-smacking tandoori cheese, raita, and tandoori roti. To conclude your dinner, you can go with their soulful falooda and jalebi.
  • Mann Punjabi, Mumbai- This is an iconic place where you get to relish your favorite Punjabi cuisine with some live music. Don’t forget to try their tasty Amritsari Kulcha and paneer platters. Its knowledgeable and prompt service will win your heart too.
  • Jassi De Parathe, Ahmedabad- With a cozy and welcoming vibe, this spot will tantalize your taste buds with its famous dal makhani and naan. It also hosts live music which adds charm to its modern décor.
  • Lucky Da Punjabi Dhabba, Chennai- If you are in Chennai, then this spot should be your go-to place to taste the original sarson ka saag and makke di roti. The ambiance and vibe bring out the raw Punjab culture, which adds taste to their platters.
  • Old Pal Dhaba, Chandigarh- How can Chandigarh be missed out on this list when the focal point of discussion is Punjabi cuisine? That brings us to Old Pal Dhaba as well, which has curated some authentic Punjabi dishes for ages. Every plate here stands out.
  • Khalsa Dhaba, Chandigarh- Another spot where you get to taste the traditional Punjabi cuisine. With a welcoming vibe and prompt service, this should be on your must-visit list too, if you are in the Tri-city in the future.
  • Balle Balle Dhaba, Kolkata- If you are a naan connoisseur, then this dhaba will etch its name in your memory. Apart from that, you can try their lassi and pudding too. The locals love its cute décor and vibrant vibe.

Conclusion

The intriguing history and diverse culinary landscape that Punjab, India brings to the table are genuinely fantastic. Even if you are not so much a foodie, you will concur with the same.

So, the next time you are planning to order a typical Punjabi platter, try one from the restaurants suggested above. It might replenish your soul with the exact flavors of Punjab that you are expecting. Also, to make it a successful and seamless Punjabi cuisine expedition, you should initiate with a reliable food delivery platform like the Swiggy app. It not only helps with a clean UI but also suggests the best Punjabi restaurants near you within seconds. Moreover, if it’s your lucky day, you might save some bucks with coupon discounts!

So, dive into the world of Punjab’s flavors with Swiggy, today!

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