Ambala is a big city in the state of Haryana in northern India. It is located next to Punjab state borders and is quite close to the capital city of Chandigarh. Ambala has two parts - Ambala Cantonment and Ambala City. That's why people call it the "Twin City". Ambala has a very large Indian Army and Air Force base that started in 1843. The base has the 2nd corps of the Indian Army - one of the main fighting forces. Since the city is between Haryana and Punjab, the food there has influences from both states.
The food in Ambala mixes different traditions and flavours not only from modern Punjab and Haryana, but the entire Northwestern region. It takes ideas from both Haryanvi and Punjabi food. The food uses a lot of ghee, butter and milk. It tastes very rich and hearty. They use lots of homemade spices. This shows the old-fashioned, rustic style of Haryana. The food is comforting and yummy. Even though the dishes are simple, they have complex flavours.
A trip to Ambala is not complete without trying the tasty local food. It offers a delicious glimpse into the city's diverse cooking traditions. Read about the must-try 6 yummy dishes of Ambala, Haryana.
Besan Masala Roti
Besan Masala Roti is a famous flatbread from Ambala city. It is a tasty roti made with besan flour and spices. The spices are red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and salt. This gives the roti a wonderful smell and texture. In Ambala, people love to eat these yummy besan rotis with every meal. The roti is like Ambala's special food. If you go to Ambala, you must try this famous local roti!
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Restaurant recommendation: Jyoti Dhaba, Ambala Locality, Ambala
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50-150 approx
Hara Dhania Cholia
The yummy Hara Dhania Cholia dish from Ambala is so colourful and tasty. It gets its bright green colour from lots of fresh coriander and mint leaves. It tastes so good because of the mix of spices, herbs, chickpeas, and veggies. It's nice and creamy from the cashew paste and yoghurt. The local chickpeas and fresh herbs and spices make this dish really special to Ambala. You'll love the green colour and flavours in every bite. It's so delicious!
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Restaurant recommendation: The Grand Haveli, Grand Trunk Rd, Dholkot, Ambala
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200- 400 approx
Kadhi Pakora
Kadhi Pakora is famous for its mouth watering taste. This dish mixes the cool, tangy curry called kadhi with crispy fried pakora balls. With each bite, you get the crunch of the pakora first. Then the tangy kadhi cools your mouth. The special taste of Kadhi Pakora is what makes it so popular in Ambala.
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Restaurant recommendation: Swadisht Kadi Chawal, Ambala Locality, Ambala
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹150-200 approx
Bajra Aloo Roti
The famous Bajra Aloo Roti from Ambala is made with with bajra. They grind the bajra into flour. They use the flour to make hearty flatbreads called rotis. The rotis go with a spicy potato curry called aloo sabzi. People in Ambala love Bajra Aloo Roti. It makes them feel good. They eat it a lot. It's an important part of their meals. Bajra Aloo Roti is still a favourite food for people in Ambala.
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Restaurant recommendation: Ambala Haveli, Vill. Mohra 8 kms from, Ambala
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-400 approx
Mix Dal
The famous mix dal is a local dish, made of mix of different lentils that taste so good. The lentils are tur dal, moong dal, masoor dal and chana dal. They cook the lentils slowly with spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger and chillies. Mix Dal is loved by everyone in Ambala! The healthy lentils and tasty spices make it delicious. Visitors have to try Ambala's famous Mix Dal. It's part of the local food that everyone loves to eat!
Restaurant recommendation: Pandit Bhojnalya, Sector 1, Ambala
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-400 approx
Also read: 5 Delectable Kulfi Recipes For Summers
Kulfi
Ambala is famous for its yummy kulfi! You'll see kulfi sellers all over Ambala carrying tall metal cans full of kulfi. They sell the frozen treat right from the can. What makes Ambala's kulfi so tasty is the milk. It comes from local dairy farms. The sweet, smooth, creamy texture cools you down from Ambala's hot weather. For people visiting Ambala, trying the famous kulfi is a must! It's an important part of experiencing Ambala's food.
Restaurant recommendation: Natraj Special Kulfa, Jagadhri Gate, Patti Mehar, Ambala
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50-100 approx