Punjab, the vibrant ‘Land of Five Rivers’ in Northern India, is a paradise for food lovers. Punjabi cuisine, known for its bold flavors, rich textures, and generous use of spices and ghee (clarified butter), has won hearts worldwide. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the most iconic and beloved traditional dishes that define Punjabi cuisine.
1. Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti
Description:
The quintessential Punjabi dish, Sarson da Saag is a slow-cooked, velvety stew made from mustard greens, spinach, and other leafy greens. Its earthy flavors are perfectly complemented by Makki di Roti, a thick flatbread made from cornmeal. A dollop of fresh white butter on top makes this an unforgettable combination.
Recipe:
https://www.secondrecipe.com/sarson-ka-saag-makke-ki-roti/
Key Ingredients:
Mustard greens, spinach, bathua (wild spinach), ginger, garlic, green chilies, cornmeal (makki ka atta), ghee, white butter.
Popular Restaurant:
Kesar Da Dhaba (Amritsar) – renowned for its authentic Punjabi dishes and has outstanding Google reviews.
2. Butter Chicken
Description:
This creamy, tomato-based curry is a globally recognized symbol of Punjabi cuisine. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled, and then simmered in a luxuriously rich, buttery sauce.
Recipe:
https://cafedelites.com/butter-chicken/
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, yogurt, spices (turmeric, coriander, garam masala, chili powder), tomatoes, butter, cream, fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi).
Popular Restaurant:
Haveli Amritsar – A heritage-themed restaurant offering a classic Punjabi dining with rave reviews.
3. Dal Makhani
Description:
This creamy and decadent lentil dish is a staple of Punjabi cuisine. Whole black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma) are simmered slowly with an abundance of tomatoes, spices, butter, and cream, resulting in a velvety, deeply satisfying dish.
Recipe:
https://www.cookwithmanali.com/dal-makhani/
Key Ingredients:
Whole black lentils (urad dal), kidney beans (rajma), tomatoes, spices (ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala), butter, cream.
Popular Restaurant:
Bukhara (New Delhi) – An upscale restaurant famous for its Dal Makhani which is known for its rich flavor profile and perfect texture.
4. Chole Bhature
Description:
A beloved Punjabi street food and breakfast staple, Chole Bhature features a spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with fluffy, deep-fried flatbreads (bhature). This dish is the ultimate combination of textures and flavors.
Recipe:
https://www.spiceupthecurry.com/chole-bhature-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Chickpeas (chole), spices (onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander, garam masala), wheat flour (for bhature), oil for frying.
Popular Restaurant:
Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Delhi) – A legendary Chole Bhature spot in Delhi, consistently receiving high praise for their flavorful and authentic version of the dish.
5. Paneer Tikka
Description:
Paneer Tikka is a delightful vegetarian appetizer or main course. Chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in yogurt, spices, and grilled to perfection, often with vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
Recipe:
https://www.cookwithmanali.com/paneer-tikka/
Key Ingredients:
Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), yogurt, spices (turmeric, coriander, garam masala, chili powder), bell peppers, onions.
Popular Restaurant:
Barbeque Nation (Multiple locations) – A popular chain with outlets across India, known for their live grills and delicious Paneer Tikka variations.
6. Tandoori Chicken
Description:
This iconic dish needs no introduction! Tandoori Chicken features succulent chicken marinated in a fiery blend of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice, then roasted in a traditional clay oven (tandoor). The result is smoky, tender chicken with a vibrant red hue.
Recipe:
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/50347/indian-tandoori-chicken/
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, yogurt, spices (ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, paprika), lemon juice.
Popular Restaurant:
Moti Mahal Delux (Delhi) – Considered the birthplace of Tandoori Chicken, they continue to serve an outstanding classic version of the dish.
7. Rajma Chawal
Description:
A comforting and wholesome Punjabi staple, Rajma Chawal is a simple yet satisfying combination of kidney bean curry (rajma) and steamed rice (chawal). This dish offers a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates.
Recipe:
https://indishious.com/en/recipes/rajma-chawal/
Key Ingredients:
Kidney beans (rajma), onions, tomatoes, spices (ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander, garam masala), rice.
Popular Restaurant:
Bademiya (Mumbai) – A popular Mumbai eatery known for its flavorful Rajma Chawal and other North Indian delights.
8. Aloo Paratha with Curd and Pickle
Description:
A Punjabi breakfast favorite, Aloo Paratha is a flatbread stuffed with a spiced potato (aloo) mixture. Its crispy exterior and flavorful filling make it irresistible, especially when paired with cool yogurt (curd) and a tangy pickle.
Recipe:
https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/aloo-paratha/
Key Ingredients:
Wheat flour, potatoes, spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander, garam masala), yogurt, pickle.
Popular Restaurant:
Paranthe Wali Gali (Delhi) – This historic lane in Delhi is famous for its paratha shops, offering a wide variety of delicious and authentic stuffed parathas.
9. Kadhi Pakora
Description:
Kadhi Pakora is a yogurt-based curry with chickpea flour fritters (pakoras). The tangy and slightly sour yogurt gravy is perfectly balanced by the soft and savory fritters.
Recipe:
https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/punjabi-kadhi-recipe-punjabi-kadhi-pakora/
Key Ingredients:
Yogurt, chickpea flour (besan), spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander, fenugreek), onions, green chilies.
Popular Restaurant:
Kake Di Hatti (Delhi) – An iconic eatery known for its simple yet delicious Punjabi home-style food, including their famous Kadhi Pakora.
10. Amritsari Fish Fry
Description:
This crispy and addictive fried fish is a specialty of Amritsar in Punjab. Fish fillets are marinated in a flavorful blend of carom seeds (ajwain), lemon juice, and spices, then coated in chickpea flour and deep-fried.
Recipe:
https://www.chefkunalkapur.com/recipe/amritsari-fish-fry/
Key Ingredients:
Fish (often sole or similar white fish), chickpea flour (besan), carom seeds (ajwain), lemon juice, spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander).
Popular Restaurant:
Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner (Amritsar) – A local favorite in Amritsar celebrated for its fresh and perfectly fried Amritsari fish.
Conclusion
I hope this culinary journey has ignited your appetite for the rich and vibrant flavors of Punjabi cuisine. Let me know if you have questions or want more recipes!
