Food Walk With EazyDiner: A Run-through Of Chandigarh's Rich Food Scene

If you ask any foodie about the place that serves the best Punjabi food, without a doubt there answer is going to be Chandigarh. From spicy butter chicken to yummy stuffed parathas slathered with butter, and from flavorful chaats &street food, to tall glasses of chilled lassi, Chandigarh's foodscape has it all. So taking inspiration from this beautiful city's rich culinary landscape, here's a run-through of Chandigarh's most popular delicacies and the dining destinations you can visit to sample them.

Amritsari Kulcha

An eternal North Indian dish, and a crowd favorite street food in Chandigarh, Amritsari Kulcha is made with refined flour, stuffed with a range of stuffing like paneer, cheese, potatoes, and prepared on a clay tandoor, and served with spicy chole, chutneys, pickles and curries. They are simply one of the best things you can sample in the city.

Where to find: Amritsari Kulcha Hub, Sector 9, Bansal Amritsar Food Street, Panchkula, and Sodhi's Zaika, Sector 46

Chole Bhature

A must-have when in Chandigarh, Chole Bhature combines the richness of gravy-laden chickpeas with that of the fluffy bhature. Though a lot of Indian cities have this quintessentially North Indian meal in their spread, but there's something about Chandigarh's air that makes this simple dish divine.

Where to find: Sindhi Sweets, Elante Mall, Sai Sweets, Sector 25 Gopal’s, Panchkula, and Roadside stall (khirki/rehri) near City Emporium Mall.

Butter Chicken

Chandigarh is a paradise for butter-chicken lovers. When it comes to this staple delicacy featuring buttery yummilicious chicken dipped in the hot delicious gravy, there's no place that can beat Chandigarh.

Where to find: Pal Dhaba, Sector 28, Baba Chicken, Kharar Road, Mohali, Chawla's Chicken, Sector 22, and Hall Gate, Sector 46.

Sarso Da Saag & Makki Di Roti

A dish that is literally synonymous with Punjab, Makke Di Roti & Sarson Da Saag makes for a truly soul-satisfying meal. Sarso or mustard greens is prepared with various Indian spices and eaten with flat cornbreads or Makki di Roti. It is the most quintessential food of Punjab, best eaten in the winter season, as it gives warmth and plenty of nourishment. In Chandigarh, you will find a plethora of small eateries and restaurants that dole out the best rendition of this classic preparation.

Where to find: Pal Dhaba, Sector 28, Katani Dhaba, Phase 3B2 Market, Pashtun, Sector 35, and Gurbax Dhaba, Sector 22.

Stuffed Paranthas

Relished by the majority of north Indians, the Punjabi traditional breakfast when served with hot tea or cold lassi, is seemingly the most irresistible grub you will find. In Chandigarh, you get the best Parathas with loads of butter and served with curries, pickles, or raitas. Parathas are made of wheat flour and come in different varieties like plain, aloo, butter, cheese, paneer, and even keema.

Where to find: Pehalwan Paratha Point, Sector 22, Pal Dhaba, Sector 28, Katani Dhaba, Phase 3B2 Market, and Hall Gate, Sector 46.

Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a classic recipe from the Northern regions of India. Dal means lentils and makhani means butter. It is quintessentially a Punjabi comfort food preparation that is basically rich and creamy slow-cooked black lentil simmered in a tomato-based sauce for hours. Truly a divine preparation.

Where to find: Pashtun, Sector 35, Pal Dhaba, Sector 28, Veeru Da Dhaba, Sector 26, and Nukkar Dhaba, Sector 22.

Amritsari Fish

Amritsari Fish is a popular Indian street food and restaurant-style fish appetizer. It is a simple dish yet tastes amazing with bursting flavors that come from the unique blend of spices and herbs used. Perhaps it's this medley of robust flavors and exquisite taste that makes this a staple snack in Chandigarh.

Where to find: Pashtun, Sector 35, Pal Dhaba, Sector 28, and Veeru Da Dhaba, Sector 26.

Rajma Chawal

A typical north Indian street delicacy, Rajma cChawal is essentially red kidney beans prepared in rich gravy and served with rice. It is the most nourishing dish and most popular among the street food fans of Chandigarh.

Where to eat: Sodhi’s Zaika, Sector 46, Nukkar Dhaba, Sector 22, Pal Dhaba, Sector 28, Sai Sweets, Sector 25, and Bholey Di Hatti, Sector 44.

Lassi

This famous Punjabi lassi is best enjoyed chilled in the hot summer months. Favorite among people of Chandigarh, Lassi is a yogurt-based drink, prepared with fruit and spices, and garnished sometimes with flavors and other toppings.

Where to drink: Pal Dhaba, Sector 28, Talwar Dairy, Sector 15, Sindhi Sweets, Sector 17, and almost every local market.