Beyond Butter Chicken- 5 Must Try Dishes in Chandigarh

Posted by Hemant on September 27th, 2024

Chandigarh is loved for its vibrant food scene. If you are a foodie who loves to try different flavours and cuisines, you are sure to have a great time in the city.

While butter chicken might be the star of Punjabi cuisine, Chandigarh’s culinary scene has so much more to offer. From lip-smacking street food delights to hearty classics, the city is a treasure trove of flavours waiting to be explored.

 So here are the five must-try dishes that go beyond the buttery goodness you might expect.

1. Chole Bhature: 

This delicious breakfast dish is practically a religion in North India. The fluffy, golden-brown bhature paired with spicy, tangy choley that’s infused with spices like cumin, coriander, and amchur is simply a match made in heaven.

The combination of the two is a flavourful explosion that’ll wake up your senses in the best way possible. You just need to head to any of the popular spots to savour this Punjabi staple that’s guaranteed to leave you in a delicious food coma. You can also enjoy it at any of the buffet restaurants in Chandigarh, where it will definitely be there in the menu.

2. Amritsari Kulcha: 

No visit to Chandigarh is complete without biting into an Amritsari Kulcha. This yummy stuffed bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, loaded with a flavourful filling of spiced potatoes or paneer. It is baked to perfection in a tandoor and served hot with a side of tangy choley and a dollop of butter.

The result is nothing short of heavenly. There are many places where you can have it, like the Kulcha Land, where they’ve mastered the art of this scrumptious delight. You can also savour it in the streets and markets of the city while on a shopping spree.

3. Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti: 

This winter classic is unmissable when you are in the city during the cold months. The appetising a traditional Punjabi dish that’s all about comfort.

The saag is made from mustard greens cooked with spices and then topped with a generous dollop of homemade butter. It is served with makki di roti, which is slightly crisp and utterly satisfying.

This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of lassi. Head to any of the top restaurants to enjoy this winter delight. Baluchi restaurant at The LaLiT Chandigarh, one of the best five star hotels in Chandigarh, is one such place where you can enjoy the authentic taste of this winter warmer.

4. Aloo Tikki Chaat: 

This is one of the most-loved street food delights that you must try. The crispy fried aloo tikki seasoned with a variety of spices promises a burst of flavour in the mouth.

It is garnished with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, yoghurt and sev (fried noodles), all of these make this chaat all the more appetising.  Have it at any of the chaat corners of the street where they are freshly prepared. You will surely be mesmerised with the taste it beholds in it.

5. Lassi: 

Finally, no culinary journey in Chandigarh is complete without indulging in a glass of lassi. This creamy drink prepared using yoghurt can be sweet or salty, and it’s often topped with a layer of malai (cream) and a sprinkle of nuts.

It’s just the perfect way to beat the heat and refresh your appetite after enjoying a spicy meal. Try the Amritsari Lassi at Sector 17, where they serve it in tall glasses that are as big as your appetite.

These are some of the many culinary gems in Chandigarh that go beyond butter chicken, each having a unique taste of Punjabi hospitality and flavour.

Be it the rich and hearty sarson da saag and makki ki roti or the light and refreshing lassi, these dishes are sure to leave your taste buds asking for more. So next time you’re in the city, make sure to try them for an unforgettable culinary experience.