As a bustling city in Punjab, Mohali is home to numerous tourist attractions like Fateh Burj and Gurdwara Singh Shaheedan and a lot of other historical sites. However, beyond the tourist attractions, Mohali is equally popular for its culinary scene. There are various types of foods in Mohali, that you can try to appease your stomach and your taste buds. Getting to taste the richness of Punjabi cuisine and heritage through various dishes in Mohali is what makes it stand out. From street food to fine dining, there are a variety of unique dishes that you have to try the next time you visit Mohali.
10 Foods In Mohali To Try
Mohali welcomes you with a wide range of dishes to try, each catering to the diverse interests of every palate.
1. Amritsari Kulcha
Photo: Vipul7229 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A popular Punjabi delicacy, Amritsari Kulcha is one of those staples that you must try when you are in Mohali. A soft, flaky, and stuffed bread typically filled with mashed potatoes, spices, and herbs, the kulcha is cooked in a tandoor until it turns golden and crispy. In most of the restaurants around Mohali, the dish is served with tangy chole aka chickpea curry, sliced onions, lemon wedges and a dollop of butter on top. Some even serve it with some curd. The burst of flavours from the stuffing combined with the spiciness of the chole makes this dish a favourite among locals and visitors.,
Where To Try: Amritsari Kulcha Land
Cost: ₹70 – 120 per plate
2. Parathas
Photo: Zeel Patel / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
No trip to any part of Punjab is complete if you don’t try the different types of parathas that are available there. These stuffed flatbreads are made from wheat flour and filled with various ingredients such as potatoes, paneer, cauliflower, or radish. You can choose the one that best aligns with your interests. The good thing is that there’s something to cater to everyone’s taste buds. Also, there are non-vegetarian parathas available too, which you could try. Paranthas are cooked on a griddle with generous amounts of ghee or butter, giving them a crispy, golden exterior. They are typically served with curd, pickles, and white butter on top.
Where To Try: Paratha Junction 24×7, Paratha All Day, Taste of Amritsar
Cost: ₹50 – 120 per paratha
3. Bhutta
Photo: Namitakhaire / Wikimedia Commons
Although not a very fancy or complicated dish, Bhutta aka roasted corn is a popular street snack to try when you are in Mohali. There are different variations of it available. For example, you can indulge in the staple roasted version with lime and salt or you can try the boiled version too. Vendors roast the corn over a charcoal fire, giving it a smoky flavour, and then rub it with a mixture of lime, salt, and spices. The combination of the sweet corn kernels and the tangy, spicy seasoning makes Bhutta a favourite snack, especially during the rainy season. It is an affordable yet delightful snack to try in Mohali.
Where To Try: Sectors 62 and 70 roadside stalls, Mohali
Cost: ₹20 – 40 per cob
4. Kadhi Chawal
Photo: Dheerajk88 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When it comes to comfort food in Mohali, Kadhi Chawal is one of those dishes that takes the top of the list. The dish consists of gram flour-based yoghurt curry (kadhi) served over steamed rice (chawal). The kadhi is flavoured with spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, giving it a tangy and mildly spicy taste. The pakoras or the fritters are usually made with a mixture of onions and gram flour, which is then fried in oil and then added to the kadhi. The texture of the dish is quite thick, hearty and creamy with a hint of tang from the curd. It is best enjoyed with some steamed rice, pickles and onions.
Where To Try: Guru Nanak Hotel, Punjabi Chakhna
Cost: ₹80 – 150 per plate
5. Rabri Falooda
Photo: Namitakhaire / Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
If you are in the mood for some cold dessert, Rabri Falooda is the perfect answer to that question. It is a rich and decadent dessert that combines rabri, which is made using condensed milk and milk solids with falooda, or vermicelli noodles. The dessert is usually topped with rose syrup and crunchy nuts. This sweet dish offers a contrast in textures — the creamy rabri, chewy falooda, and crispy nuts all combine to create a delightful experience. In Mohali, this dessert is a favourite after a hearty meal or on hot summer days. If you don’t enjoy rose syrup or want less falooda, the dish is entirely customisable to your interests.,
Where To Try: Vikas Veg Soup and Faluda Kulfi, Khoya Kulfi
Cost: ₹70 – 150 per serving
6. Shahi Paneer
Photo: Anilsharma26 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Shahi Paneer is a rich, creamy curry made with paneer cooked in a tomato-based gravy with cream, cashews, and aromatic spices. This royal dish is often a part of celebratory meals in Punjab and is loved for its luxurious texture and mildly spiced flavour. The gravy has a slight sweetness from the cream and cashews, which balances the tanginess of the tomatoes. Served with naan, roti, or rice, Shahi Paneer is a must-try for vegetarians in Mohali. It is one of the absolute best vegetarian dishes that you can indulge in the next time you are in Mohali, exploring the streets.
Where To Try: Mitra da Dhaba, Republic of Kitchens, Kake Da Hotel Since 1931
Cost: ₹200 – 300 per plate
7. Samosa
Photo: Ashish_Choudhary / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Among the best street food snacks in Mohali, Samosa is one of those universal dishes that doesn’t require an introduction. The combination of the crispy exterior with the flavourful filling makes this dish one worth trying. The most common filling is spiced potatoes, but you can also find variations with paneer, peas, or even minced meat. Samosas are deep-fried to golden perfection and are best enjoyed with green chutney or tamarind sauce. In Mohali, samosas are available at every corner, from street vendors to high-end cafes, making them a versatile snack for any time of day. While there, you can even explore samosa chaat, which is usually topped with sweet cold yoghurt and tamarind chutney.
Where To Try: Samosa Junction, Amrit Sweets, Sindhi Sweets
Cost: ₹10 – 30 per piece
8. Gajar Ka Halwa
Photo: Neetu Laddha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Among the desserts, Gajar Ka Halwa is a popular option that’s loved by all. This is a traditional Punjabi dessert made with grated carrots, ghee, milk and milk solids, cardamon, dry fruits and nuts, etc. During the winters, the recurrence of gajar ka halwa becomes a staple across every Punjabi household. Since it is best made with red carrots, the best time to try this dessert is during the winter months. The sweet and slightly caramelised flavour of the halwa, combined with the crunch of nuts, makes it a must-try dessert. In Mohali, you can find this dish in many restaurants and sweet shops, often served hot with a spoonful of cream.
Where to buy: Amritsari Kulcha Point, Gopal Sweets
Cost: ₹100 – 200 per serving
9. Palak Paneer
Photo: Kanwardeep Kaur / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Palak Paneer is another popular vegetarian dish in Mohali, made with paneer cubes cooked in pureed spinach or palak gravy with spices and cream. The dish is mildly spiced, with the flavours of spinach shining through. It is a nutritious and filling dish, typically served with roti, naan, or rice. The creamy spinach gravy and the soft paneer pieces make for a wholesome and satisfying meal. If you are looking for a nutritious yet delectable veg option to try while in Mohali, this is a great option. For the most authentic taste, try this dish at one of the many dhabas across Mohali.
Where To Try: Kake Da Hotel Since 1931, Makhani Darbar, Kake Da Express
Cost: ₹180 – 250 per plate
10. Kebabs
Photo: Samer Daboul / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Mohali offers a wide range of kebabs for meat lovers, from juicy seekh kebabs to succulent chicken and mutton kebabs. The kebabs are marinated in aromatic spices and then cooked over a charcoal grill or in a tandoor. Usually, if not all of the kebabs that you try in Mohali will be served with mint chutney, onions, and naan. They do make for an amazing snack or you can use them as an appetiser as well, depending on how hungry you are. Also, ensure that the kebabs you are trying are grilled inside the tandoor fresh to order for the most authentic taste.
Where To Try: Home of Kebabz, Kebab He Kebab
Cost: ₹200 – 350 per plate
Mohali’s food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Punjabi flavours and modern Western cuisines. Depending on what you enjoy, there are several foods in Mohali for you to indulge in. The blend of rustic flavours, paired with the freshness of the ingredients explains why going on a culinary tour across Mohali is highly recommended. Book your next trip with TripXL to experience the authentic taste of Mohali yourself.
Cover Photo: Anilsharma26 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only