Chandigarh is a beautiful city, known for its immaculate town planning, various markets and abviously, delicious food. Anyone visiting the city will be spoilt for choices as there is a huge variety of dishes that you can try and fall in love with. From restaurants to dhabas to small street-side stores, the authentic tastes of the foods of Chandigarh are unmatched. The urban city still goes back to its roots when it dines, hence the dishes touch your heart and soothe your soul.
Here are 8 must-try famous foods of the city that you must try when you visit the wonderful city to truly enjoy its wonderful flavours.
Kulche:
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A trip to Chandigarh is incomplete without savouring the mouthwatering Kulche. These stuffed, soft, and butter-laden breads are served with chole, pickles, and a generous amount of white butter. The winning combination of the fluffy kulche with the spicy chole is a delight that locals and visitors can't resist. You can find these delightful kulche at various street stalls and local eateries across the city. Kulcha Hub sells really good kulchas.
Chole Bhature:
Another classic that Chandigarh has perfected is chole bhature. The enormous, crispy bhaturas paired with a spicy and tangy chickpea curry are a favourite among locals. A plate of chole bhature often comes with sides like pickles, onions, and raita, creating a wholesome meal that will leave you craving for more. Several local joints and dhabas serve this delightful dish, and each place adds its unique twist to the recipe. Nukkar Dhaba is a great place to try it.
Tandoori Chicken:
For the non-vegetarians, tandoori chicken in Chandigarh is a culinary treasure. Marinated in curd and a blend of tandoori spices, the succulent chicken pieces are roasted to perfection in a tandoor. The dish is a dish with smoky, charred flavors and tender meat. You can find tandoori chicken on the menu of many restaurants and street-side stalls across the city, and it's often served with mint chutney and naan. Taste the dish at Fire N Grill.
Butter Chicken:
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy tomato-based curry with tender pieces of chicken. The dish is known for its luscious, buttery texture and the perfect balance of sweet, tangy and savoury flavors. It's a crowd-pleaser and a must-try in Chandigarh. Pair it with naan, tandoori roti, or jeera rice, and you're in for a delightful culinary experience. Chandigarh's restaurants offer a range of variations, from traditional to contemporary takes on this classic dish. Chopra Chicken has very creamy butter chicken.
Makki Ki Roti and Sarson Da Saag:
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Embracing the rich Punjabi heritage, makki ki roti and sarson da saag is a cherished winter specialty in Chandigarh. The robust, earthy flavors of sarson da saag complement the warm, rustic texture of makki ki roti perfectly. It's a comforting, wholesome meal that's enjoyed during the chilly winter months. Various Punjabi restaurants and dhabas in Chandigarh serve this traditional dish, ensuring you experience its authentic taste. Pal Dhaba and Punjabi Rasoi serve great saag and roti.
Aloo Paratha:
Aloo Paratha is a filling breakfast dish that's loved by people of all ages. Chandigarh's Aloo Parathas are particularly famous for their generous filling of spiced mashed potatoes and the right balance of chilli and spices. Served with masala dahi, pickles, or butter, this dish offers a hearty and wholesome start to the day. You can find aloo parathas at numerous local eateries and dhabas across the city, each uniquely delicious. You can try aloo and several other parathe at Pahalwan Paratha point.
Paneer Tikka:
For vegetarians, paneer tikka is a tasty appetiser that's a hit in Chandigarh's dining scene. Cubes of paneer are marinated in a mixture of curd and spices and then grilled to perfection. These tikkas are smoky and soft, creamy at the same time. Whether served as an appetizer or in a roll or wrap, paneer tikka is a popular choice among food enthusiasts. Chandigarh's restaurants and street vendors offer a variety of creative paneer tikka variations, in the form of rolls, wraps and even pizza toppings. Tikka Freaks has yummy paneer tikkas.
Lassi:
To conclude this foodie journey, we can't forget the city’s signature drink, the lassi. Thick, creamy, and sweet, lassi is a great way to beat the heat. It's often served in large glasses and garnished with thick malai or a scoop of ice cream. Whether you opt for a traditional plain lassi or explore the various fruity or nutty options available like badam or rose or mango, a glass of lassi is the perfect way to cool down and refresh yourself. A great shop to try the dish is Shiv Sweet and Bhojanalaya.