Being one of Punjab’s oldest cities, Bathinda welcomes you with a variety of unique experiences. You can explore the rich history, majestic forts, and vibrant culture. But, the culinary scene around Bathinda is also quite impressive. Several foods in Bathinda are worth adding to your travel plans. Be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, the best food in Bathinda has something to cater to the taste buds of every traveller. The blend of aromatic spices with the richness of the dishes makes them worth trying.
10 Best Food In Bathinda
Whether you’re a fan of street food or prefer a dining experience, the best food in Bathinda promises to tantalise your taste buds either way.
1. Sarson Da Saag With Makki Di Roti
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No food trip around any of the cities in Punjab is complete without the staple Sarson Da Saag with Makki Di Roti. This is a traditional winter delicacy made from mustard greens, slow-cooked with spices and served with corn flour flatbread aka Makki di Roti. The saag is enriched with ghee and is often accompanied by a dollop of homemade white butter. The best place to try this is at a Punjabi home but when in Bathinda, hit any of the local dhabas for this dish.
Where To Try: Local dhabas around the city
Cost: ₹120 – ₹180
2. Chole Bhature
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One of Punjab’s most-loved dishes, Chole Bhature is an indulgent treat comprising fluffy, deep-fried bhature paired with spicy chole. The combination of soft bhature and the aromatic, flavourful chole makes it a favourite among locals and tourists alike. A side of pickles, onions, and green chutney completes this delightful dish. It is one of those dishes that is enjoyed unanimously across all the cities, towns and villages in Punjab, including Bathinda. Ensure that you visit the places that are serving them piping hot after frying the bhatura in front of you.
Where To Try: Mourya Special Cholai Kulchai & Bhatura, Prabhu Ji Paharganj Wale
Cost: ₹80 – ₹150
3. Lassi
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Another popular and must-try dish around Bathinda is Lassi, which is available in both sugary and salty versions, so you can pick and choose which one best fits your taste. When you try this drink at one of the local lassi centres of dhabas across Bathinda, prepare to be served in tall, steel glass. The drink is usually huge and if you don’t have the appetite, it is best to share it with someone. The sweetness of the yoghurt combined with the richness of the cream makes it a perfect companion to any heavy meal or as a standalone refreshment.
Where To Try: Lassi n Shakes Bathinda
Cost: ₹30 – ₹60
4. Kadhi Pakora
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If you are in the mood for something simple and homely in Bathinda, Kadhi Pakora is a great option to consider. This comforting dish is made from gram flour and yoghurt slow-cooked to a thick consistency and served with fried gram flour dumplings (pakoras). Since the base of the curry is yoghurt, the entire dish has a slight tanginess to it and pair that with the crunchy yet soft pakoras and it is a match made in heaven. During the rainy season, you can also enjoy the dish with some roti.
Where To Try: Comet Kitchen Company, Venkateshwara’s Samosa, Raalice Foods, and Sam’s Melting Foods India Pvt Ltd
Cost: ₹70 – ₹120
5. Rajma Chawal
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Another comforting yet simple dish that is loved by the locals across Bathinda is Rajma Chawal. This dish consists of red kidney beans (Rajma) cooked in a spiced gravy and served with steamed rice. The richness of the Rajma gravy paired with soft, fluffy rice creates a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The height of this dish, when you try it at the local eateries and dhabas, is the big spoonful of ghee and the slice of paneer that is served with it. Some food joints even offer a papad on the side for texture.
Where To Try: Bachi De Kadhi Rajma Chawal
Cost: ₹80 – ₹150
6. Aloo Paratha
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Coming to a breakfast staple across Bathinda, Aloo Paratha is a non-negotiable dish that is served at least once every week in every household. The paratha is made by stuffing whole wheat dough with spiced mashed potatoes, then rolling it out and frying it on a hot griddle with ghee. It’s typically served with a side of curd, pickles, and butter, making it a wholesome and filling dish. It is one of those simple, nutritious yet filling dishes that keep you satiated for a long time.
Where To Try: Khalsa Desi Ghee Ke Paranthe, Mani Dhaba
Cost: ₹50 – ₹100
7. Chaat
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The concept of Chaat is quite an umbrella term. There are a lot of unique variations of chaat available in the market, which you can indulge in. From simpler sev puri to dahi Bhalla, you can find a variety of chaat options across Bathinda to try. It is more of an evening snack, so you can step out of your home for some shopping and then stop by one of the local chaat corners to indulge in some chaat of your liking. The balance of chutneys, crispy components, and soft elements makes chaat a popular street food choice in Bathinda.
Where To Try: Aggarwal Chaat
Cost: ₹40 – ₹100
8. Baingan Bharta
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Baingan Bharta is a traditional Punjabi dish made from roasted eggplant mashed and cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The smoky flavour of the roasted eggplant combined with the aromatic spices makes this dish a favourite among vegetarians. It’s best enjoyed with roti or paratha. The best way to enjoy this dish is immediately after you are done cooking. Many often top off the dish with some ghee and chopped coriander to add more flavour.
Where To Try: Pind Balluchi
Cost: ₹120 – ₹200
9. Butter Chicken
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If you are in the mood for some non-vegetarian delicacy when you are in Bathinda, consider indulging in Butter Chicken. This is a Punjabi staple and the creamy and spicy version of this dish is quite popular in the city. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated, roasted in a tandoor, and then cooked in a rich, buttery tomato gravy. Paired with naan or rice, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavours—richness from the cream, tang from the tomatoes, and heat from the spices.
Where To Try: Chawla Chicken, Charlie Restaurant
Cost: ₹250 – ₹350
10. Halwa Puri
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Another breakfast staple that you can consider adding to your culinary plans in Bathinda is Halwa Puri. The halwa is usually made using semolina or suji, which is first roasted in some ghee and then cooked with milk or water to add richness to the dish. It is a dessert and has several dry fruits and nuts in the dish as well. It is flavoured with cardamom to heighten the taste even more. The puri, on the other hand, is made using wheat flour, which is deep-fried. The combination of the two is quite popular as breakfast in Bathinda.
Where To Try: Lali Sweets, Manoj Sweets
Cost: ₹20 – ₹50
With the best food in Bathinda, the city’s culinary scene is diverse and caters to the interests of many. There are
homely dishes, street food options and fine dining experiences too. One thing that’s consistent throughout is the robustness of the spices and the sharp and creamy flavours that you get to experience in each dish that you try. To immerse in the local culinary scene, ensure to plan a trip with TripXL for the ultimate experience.
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