The city of Panipat in Haryana is perhaps best-known for being the site of three historic battles that date back to the mythical Mahabharata era. Beyond these battles, the city has established itself as a stronghold of textile and weaving; in fact, it is fondly referred to as the “City of Weavers” and “Textile City.” Apart from these cultural achievements, Panipat also boasts a deep-rooted culinary heritage, with classics, such as rajma chawal and gajar ka halwa being fixtures of Haryanvi cuisine. Visit Dehradun Wale Rajma Chawal Kadi Chawal to enjoy authentic Haryanvi rajma chawal.
In general, the cuisine of Panipat, similar to other cities of Haryana, is characterised by robust and nurturing dishes. The city has agricultural roots, and therefore, its foods use an abundance of dairy products and vegetables. Flatbreads are also a staple of Haryanvi cuisine. The foods here also liberally use ingredients, such as heavy cream, ghee, and butter—rich foods that generate warmth—owing to the city’s northern location; it tends to get quite cold here during winter. So, seasonal foods like carrots feature extensively in the special foods of Panipat.
Take a look at the top 7 delicacies of Panipat.
Rajma Chawal
This soulful dish isn’t limited only to Haryana and Panipat; it’s relished all through North India, being a culinary mainstay in most Punjabi households. The dish comprises kidney beans cooked in a flavourful tomato gravy alongside various spices, including garam masala and ginger. The aromatic dish is typically garnished with coriander leaves and consumed with basmati rice; it can also be eaten by itself as a stew or with flatbreads, such as rotis and parathas.
Recommendations: Dehradun Wale Rajma Chawal Kadi Chawal
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹50–₹100, approx.
Hara Dhania Choliya
A typical Haryanvi specialty, this lip-smacking dish is prepared using green chickpeas and coriander flavourings. A host of spices, including red chilli powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder as well as ginger garlic paste help pack this dish with loads of flavour. In addition to being tasty, this dish is also highly nutritious being rich in vital minerals and nutrients, such as copper, vitamin C, and manganese. This dish can be relished by itself or eaten with accompaniments of your choice.
Recommendations: Haldiram’s
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹100, approx.
Besan Masala Roti
Haryana is renowned for its iconic flatbreads, with besan masala roti being a particular standout of Haryanvi cuisine. The dish’s popularity may stem from the fact that it is extremely easy and convenient to whip up. To prepare this roti, wheat flour and gram flour are combined, and further mixed with spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chilli. The roti is served with a generous dollop of ghee, which lends it a luxurious quality.
Recommendations: Thali Wala
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹150, approx.
Bajra Khichdi
Bajra khichdi is a hearty lentils-based porridge-like dish crafted primarily from bajra or pearl millet. This specialty isn’t limited to Haryana; it is also consumed in Rajasthan. The one-pot delicacy is quite simple, using minimal ingredients. In addition to bajra and moong dal, the dish comprises spices like ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Owing to this khichdi’s warmth-generating and comforting essence, it is considered a popular winter food. You can customise the dish by adding vegetables to make it healthier.
Recommendations: Haveli Restaurant
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹500, approx.
Kadhi Pakoda
Kadhi pakoda is an authentic Punjabi dish wherein deep-fried fritters known as “pakodas” are dunked in a flavour-packed and luscious yoghurt-based gravy called “kadhi.” The savoury fritters are typically stuffed with a filling made from onions, gram flour, and various spices and seasonings, including turmeric, red chilli powder, and garam masala. This dish makes for a satisfying meal option, and can be savoured with rice or traditional Punjabi flatbreads, including the flaky naan.
Recommendations: Puran Singh Ka Mashhoor Vishal Dhaba
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹350, approx.
Lassi
Lassi is a delectable yoghurt-infused beverage that is a staple of Haryanvi cuisine. The native Haryanvi version of lassi is usually sweetened with ingredients, such as sugar and honey; similarly, the drink is also strongly flavoured with culinary gems like saffron and cardamom to give it a kick of spice. The drink is usually further enriched with a garnish of nuts, such as crushed pistachios and almonds. The Panipat locals typically enjoy a glass of lassi alongside their regular lunch and dinner meals.
Recommendations: Lassi Punjab Wali
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹150–₹200, approx.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar ka halwa is a sumptuous sweet dish that is savoured throughout North India, including in Haryana during winter. This dessert is a type of pudding that is crafted using carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. These ingredients combine to form an indulgent and tempting melt-in-the-mouth delicacy that gets better with each bite. The halwa is frequently topped off with a garnish of crushed nuts like almonds and pistachios to imbue the dish with some crunch and textural complexity.
Recommendations: Hanu's Sweets B.D Foods Sweet Shop
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200–₹400, approx.