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Beyond the well-planned architecture and the urban development, Chandigarh is also quite popular for its amazing food. The vibrant food culture, especially with the Punjabi cuisine and the simplicity of the dishes attracts tourists from across the world. From the homely Rajma Chawal to the traditional Amritsari Kulcha, there are numerous best foods in Chandigarh, each catering to the interests of the tourists. Every dish you try in Chandigarh has a blend of spices and a subtle rustic edge to it that makes you reach for more. On your next trip to Chandigarh, having a well-planned culinary tour across the city will add more fun to you on the trip.
Best Food In Chandigarh
If you’re craving spicy street food, rich Punjabi delicacies, or global cuisines with a local twist, Chandigarh has something to satisfy every palate.
1. Butter Chicken
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One of the major Punjabi non-vegetarian staples that has become a global sensation is Butter Chicken. It is one of those North Indian dishes that you must try at the local joints and fine dining restaurants the next time you are in Chandigarh. Be it the tangy spicy and creamy gravy or the smoky flavour of the tandoor chicken, the taste of this dish is beyond comprehension. The dish has a perfect balance of tangy tomato gravy and buttery goodness, making it a go-to for locals and tourists alike.
Where To Try: Pal Dhaba, Sector 28; Swagath Restaurant, Sector 26
Cost: ₹300 – ₹500 per plate
2. Paneer Tikka
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Coming in on the second spot is Paneer Tikka, which is a healthy yet delectable vegetarian dish to try when visiting Chandigarh. If you want to hit your protein goals without eating too many calories, this is it. In this, cubes of paneer are marinated in yoghurt and spices, then grilled or baked to perfection. The best way to enjoy paneer tikka is the one that is cooked inside a tandoor. Usually, the marinated paneer is skewered with some cubed onions and capsicum and then put inside a tandoor until it achieves a smokiness and crispy texture on the outside.
Where To Try: Sector 22 Dhaba, Sector 22; Ghazal Restaurant, Sector 17
Cost: ₹200 – ₹300 per plate
3. Makki Di Roti & Sarson Da Saag
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Another staple that’s pretty much a stereotype across Punjab is to try Makki Di Roti & Sarson Da Saag. If you are visiting during the winter months when the mustard leaves aka Sarson da Saag is available fresh, that’s when you get to taste it well. Makki di Roti is a flatbread made from cornmeal, and Sarson da Saag is a mustard greens curry flavoured with garlic, ginger, and green chillies. If you are eating the dish at one of the local dhabas, prepare to have a chunk of white butter on top.
Where To Try: Sethi Dhaba, Sector 35; Pal Dhaba, Sector 28
Cost: ₹200 – ₹300 per plate
4. Parathas
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When in Chandigarh, you can’t go wrong with trying paranthas. These are staples and the best part is that you get to choose from a variety of different ones. Aloo paratha is the most common but you also have gobi paratha, mooli paratha, pyaaz paratha, etc. In most cases, the parathas are filled with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, paneer, onions, or cauliflower, and cooked with ghee. Since Punjabis have a strong association with butter and ghee, the parathas are usually served with some butter or ghee on top.
Where To Try: Amritsari Kulcha Hub, Sector 9; Paranthe Wali Gali, Sector 22
Cost: ₹50 – ₹100 per paratha
5. Falooda
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For the travellers in the mood for some dessert, Falooda is a pretty great option. The best dish it is paired with is kulfi. The thick and creamy taste of this dish is beyond imagination. The falooda itself is made using vermicelli, sweet basil seeds, rose syrup, and milk, topped with a scoop of ice cream. The combination of textures and flavours makes it a refreshing and sweet treat, especially during the hot summers. It is a favourite among locals who enjoy ending their meals on a sweet note. It is also a popular street food option that you can indulge in after a long walk around the city.
Where To Try: Giani’s, Sector 35; Indian Coffee House, Sector 17
Cost: ₹100 – ₹150 per serving
6. Kebabs
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Not just vegetarians, the food scene in Chandigarh also caters to the non-vegetarian crowd. One of the most popular dishes to try in that case is Kebabs. These grilled delicacies, made from marinated meat or vegetables, are cooked on skewers and offer a smoky, tender, and flavourful experience. There are a variety of kebabs available across Chandigarh, including chicken tikka, mutton seekh, and vegetarian options like hara bhara kebabs. Kebabs are seasoned with aromatic spices, yoghurt, and herbs and served with onion rings, green chutney, chaat masala on top and lemon wedges.
Where To Try: Barbeque Nation, Sector 26; Hot Millions, Sector 17
Cost: ₹300 – ₹500 per plate
7. Jalebi
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A staple dessert across Chandigarh, Jalebi is a must-try when you are in the city. Not just during festivals, Jalebi can be enjoyed year-round. This dessert consists of deep-fried spirals of flour batter soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy, sticky, and sweet treat. Jalebi is often enjoyed with a side of Rabri, which adds to the contrasting taste and texture of the dish. The best way to eat jalebi is when it is piping hot and taken out of the sweet sugar syrup. The dish also goes well with the savoury kachori, so ensure that you try that combination too.
Where To Try: Gopal Sweets, Sector 8; Kanhaiya Sweets, Sector 34
Cost: ₹100 – ₹150 per serving
8. Chicken Biryani
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Biryani is one of those universal dishes that is loved by many. In Chandigarh, you get to indulge in a new version of the biryani, with a slightly different taste. Chicken Biryani is made from basmati rice, tender chicken pieces, and a mixture of aromatic spices such as saffron, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The rice and chicken are cooked together, allowing the flavours to blend perfectly. Every rice grain in the biryani is separate and the flavours are quite different from the other biryanis that you have likely tried across the country. It is usually served with some raita and salad on the side.
Where To Try: Nawabi Chicken, Sector 22; Biryani By Kilo, Sector 9
Cost: ₹300 – ₹500 per plate
9. Tikki Chole
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Tikki Chole is another popular street food in Chandigarh, combining crispy aloo tikki with a spicy chickpea curry (chole). The crispy texture of the tikkis pairs perfectly with the tangy and flavorful chole, which is garnished with chutneys, onions, and spices. This dish is often served with yoghurt and pomegranate seeds for an added layer of flavour. It’s a perfect snack or light meal for anyone exploring Chandigarh’s bustling streets. After you finish your shopping across the local markets in Chandigarh, you can then head to the local chaat shop to try some tikki chole.
Where To Try: Garg Chaat, Sector 23; Bholey di Hatti, Sector 44
Cost: ₹80 – ₹120 per plate
10. Soya Chaap
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Soya Chaap is a popular vegetarian alternative to kebabs in Chandigarh. The dish is usually made using a blend of wheat gluten and soya chunks shaped into skewers, chaap is marinated in a blend of spices and yoghurt, then grilled or cooked in a creamy gravy. Since the dish contains vital gluten from the wheat and soya chunks too, it is a fairly protein-rich vegetarian alternative. It is usually served with naan or roti and accompanied by mint chutney and onions.
Where To Try: Soya Hub, Sardar G Soya Chaap Junction
Cost: ₹200 – ₹350 per plate
Chandigarh welcomes its visitors with a diverse food scene. Be it home-cooked style dishes like Rajma Chawal or Kadhi to unique mainstream street food options like Chaat and Kachori, several best foods in Chandigarh are a must try. Exploring Chandigarh’s culinary delights is a journey in itself, so make sure you book your vacation with TripXL for the ultimate fun.
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