Whether it is piping hot dal makhni, delectable tandoori kebabs, or mouthwatering sarson da saag cooked with a generous amount of makkhan, Punjabi cuisine has an appeal that can drive food connoisseurs crazy. While the capital has its fair share of restaurants that serve authentic Punjabi food, nothing in the world can compare to the dainties served in the traditional dhabas of Chandigarh and cooked in pure desi style. If you are a newbie in the city with a taste for the robust flavours of sarson da saag, makki di roti, butter chicken or lassi, here are six dhabas you must stop-by to treat your taste buds.
Pal Dhaba
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On any regular day, this good ol’ dhaba in Chandigarh has waiting queues as long as the ones you see outside the hottest city bar on valentine’s day. Standing tall in the busy market of sector 28 for the last 59 years, the dhaba boasts of serving several celebrities. Guests are welcomed with a dash of gurh (jaggery) on the table. Serving quintessential punjabi food (nevermind the amount of butter thrown on the dishes), this place dishes all your calorie concerns for once as you hog on plates full of sarso da saag and makki di roti!
Must Try: Butter chicken, dal makhani and tandoori chicken
Address: Shop No. 165-166, Sector 28-D, Chandigarh
Gurbax Dhaba
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Known for its heartwarming hospitality, gourmet food and reasonable prices, Gurbax dhaba is a vegetarian’s’ delight. The place is open throughout the week from 8 am to 11 pm. Apart from the classic sarso da saag and makki di roti, here one can also find foodies drooling over other traditional Punjabi dishes including an array of dals and curries.
Must Try: Paneer Do Pyaza, Dal Makhni, malai kofta
Address: Near Indian Overseas Bank, Sector 22-D, Chandigarh
Sethi Dhaba
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You just can’t miss this desi dhaba on the peripheries of the city, if you are travelling via road from Delhi to Chandigarh. Open 24*7, the talking point of this eatery is not just its authentic Punjabi food but also live performances by Punjabi singers on weekends. With menus printed over mini dafflis, the place smells not only of good food but also of creativity.
Must Try: Yellow dal, aloo and gobhi paratha, kheer, lassi
Address: Opposite Silver City, Ambala-Chandigarh Road, Zirakpur
Katani Dhaba
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Another vegetarian’s paradise for authentic Punjabi cuisine in Chandigarh, the Katani dhaba opens at 8 in the morning and serves finger licking parathas for breakfast with achar and dahi. For lunch and dinner don’t forget to order their lip smacking dal fry, missi roti and paneer.
Must Try: Kadhi pakoda, kadai paneer
Address: SCO 2456, Sector 35-D, Chandigarh
Deluxe Dhaba
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The dhaba rose to fame after the former Canadian PM Stephen Harper and his team dropped here for lunch. Good food served in massive portions is the speciality here. The dhaba is a food haven for non-vegetarians. Their signature lemon chicken prepared in cream and served with steaming lachha parathas is every foodie’s dream come true.
Must Try: Chicken masala, butter chicken
Address: Near Motor Market, Sector 28-C, Chandigarh
Swarn Dhaba
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Running over four generations of the Singh family, the Swarn dhaba can feed an entire family for only 300 bucks. The menu is small but delectable as everything is cooked in homemade masalas. Tuesdays are a meat-free day at the dhaba when guests can hog on scrumptious soya chaap ki sabji (you can’t miss the uncanny resemblance to mutton).
Must Try: Mutton curry, lachha paratha, chicken curry
Address: Booth 14 and 15, Sector 30-C, Chandigarh
A trip to Chandigarh is not complete without a visit to these amazing dhabas. So the next time you are in the city, do drop by at these places and treat your taste buds to some great food!
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