Punjab, known as the Land of Five Rivers, boasts a rich culinary heritage characterised by robust flavours, aromatic spices, and hearty meals. From delectable vegetarian delights to succulent meat dishes, Punjab offers a gastronomic journey that tantalises the taste buds. Here are ten must-try dishes that epitomise the essence of Punjabi cuisine.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
A quintessential Punjabi dish, butter chicken is synonymous with indulgence. Tender chicken pieces are added to a creamy tomato-based gravy infused with butter, cream, and an array of spices, creating a rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying dish.
Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti
This traditional Punjabi combo celebrates the winter harvest with its earthy flavours and rustic charm. Sarson da saag, made from mustard greens, is paired perfectly with makki di roti, a maise flour flatbread, resulting in a wholesome and nutritious meal best enjoyed with a dollop of butter.
Chole Bhature
A popular street food delicacy, chole bhature combines spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature). The curry’s tangy and aromatic flavours complement the fluffy bhature, making it a favourite among food lovers.
Amritsari Fish Fry
Hailing from the culinary capital of Punjab, Amritsar, this dish features succulent pieces of fish marinated in a blend of spices, coated in gram flour (besan), and deep-fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Amritsari fish fry is a seafood lover’s delight.
Tandoori Chicken
A culinary masterpiece, tandoori chicken is marinated with yoghurt and spices and cooked until smoky and charred in a tandoor. The result is tender, flavorful chicken with a tantalising aroma that will leave you craving more.
Paneer Tikka
A vegetarian delight, paneer tikka features cubes of paneer marinated in spicy yoghurt, skewered with colourful bell peppers and onions, and grilled. Served with mint chutney, it makes for a mouthwatering appetiser or snack.
Punjabi Kadhi Pakora
Punjabi kadhi pakora is a comforting and flavorful dish, a yoghurt-based curry infused with gram flour (besan) and tempered with spices. It is adorned with crispy pakoras (deep-fried gram flour fritters), adding texture and depth to the dish.
Aloo Paratha with Dahi (Potato Stuffed Flatbread with Yogurt)
A hearty and wholesome meal, aloo paratha is a favourite breakfast option in Punjab. Soft, flaky flatbread stuffed with a spiced potato filling is served with creamy yoghurt and tangy pickle, creating a symphony of flavours.
Rajma Chawal (Kidney Beans Curry with Rice)
A staple comfort food in Punjab, rajma chawal features tender kidney beans simmered in a spiced tomato gravy and served with steamed rice. This soul-satisfying dish is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Lassi
Every culinary journey through Punjab is complete with savouring a tall glass of lassi. This traditional Punjabi drink is made by blending yoghurt with water and sugar and is sometimes flavoured with fruits or spices. Creamy, refreshing, and packed with probiotics, lassi is the perfect accompaniment to any Punjabi meal.
Indulge in the deliciousness of the Punjabi flavours!
