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Jalandhar is one of the oldest Punjabi cities and has numerous unique dishes that you can try around. The city offers a gastronomic journey, one that allows you to enjoy the true essence of Punjabi cuisine. Be it the street side chaat to the buttery parathas, there are numerous foods in Jalandhar that you must try while exploring the city. Not just for vegetarians, there are unique dishes that also cater to non-vegetarians too. So, the next time you are in Jalandhar, exploring some of the local and fine dining restaurants in the city is an absolute must.
10 Foods In Jalandhar
Some of the best foods around Jalandhar cater to the interests of numerous visitors. Whether you enjoy indulging in home-cooked dishes or classic Punjabi dishes, there is a lot for you to indulge in.
1. Chole Bhature
Photo: Siva301in / Wikimedia Commons
Irrespective of which city you go to in Punjab, Chole Bhature is a must. This is a staple breakfast option in Punjab and the robust blend of spices and the crispy yet fluffy bhatura steals the show. Not just that, the Bhatura is further served with slow-cooked chole, which is finger-licking good. The bhature is often stuffed with paneer or potatoes for an added layer of flavour. The chickpeas are simmered with a rich blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, making the dish spicy and aromatic.
Where To Eat: Nagpal’s Chole Bhature, Oberoi Special Chana Bhatura, Yadav Chole Bature
Cost/Plate: ₹100-₹150
2. Tandoori Chicken
Photo: Prabal Pratap Singh / Pexels
For non-vegetarian lovers, Tandoori Chicken is a must-try when you are in Jalandhar. Compared to the other cities in India, the tandoor chicken in Jalandhar is spicier and has a smokier flavour and is marinated in yoghurt and a mixture of spices like garam masala, turmeric, and red chilli powder before being cooked in a traditional clay oven or tandoor. The best part of this dish is the marination because all the flavours are packed in it. Once skewered, the chicken is then cooked inside the tandoor on high heat until the outer layer of the chicken becomes crispy while the inside remains juicy.
Where To Eat: Haveli, Phagwara Road
Cost/Serving: ₹350-₹500
3. Lassi
Photo: Tiago Rosado / Unsplash
Lassi is another staple to try in Jalandhar, renowned for its refreshing flavour. The highlight of the lassi in Punjab is the thick texture, which is bound to leave you with a moustache after you are done drinking it. Also, it is a fairly high-sugar drink and has a blend of spices and black salt in it, which adds to the flavour further. If you aren’t in the mood for sugar, they also serve a salty version of it that you can try. The sweet lassi is often flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or rose water, and topped with a layer of cream or butter.
Where To Eat: Kathi Kingz, Shiv Dhaba, S.K Dhaba
Cost/Glass: ₹50-₹80
4. Rajma Chawal
Photo: Miansari66 / Wikimedia Commons
Another hearty dish that you can’t miss out on is Rajma Chawal. The dish consists of kidney beans cooked in a thick, spicy tomato gravy and served over steamed rice. Not just in the streets and the restaurants, the craze for Rajma Chawal stems from the homes around Jalandhar. The rajma is slow-cooked with a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully. You can enjoy this dish for lunch or dinner, which you can try around in Jalandhar. Also, the dish is served with a side of curd and pickles.
Where To Eat: Chawla’s Chicken, Nakodar Road
Cost/Plate: ₹100-₹150
5. Gulab Jamun
Photo: Suyash.dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
For those with a sweet tooth, Gulab Jamun is another dish that can be the perfect end to your Punjabi meal. These deep-fried balls are made from khoya, which are then soaked in a sugar syrup that is flavoured with cardamom and rose water. The syrup infuses the gulab jamuns with a sweet, fragrant flavour while keeping them moist and soft. When you are considering trying gulab jamuns at any of the restaurants around, enjoy them hot. The melt-in-the-mouth texture of the Gulab Jamun and the delicate sweetness make this a dish worth trying.
Where To Eat: Lovely Sweets, Puppi Sweets House
Cost/Piece: ₹20-₹50
6. Butter Chicken
Photo: Hubie / Wikimedia Commons
Another culinary masterpiece that you can’t miss out on is Butter Chicken. The dish’s origin is in Punjab and has since then become a beloved dish across the country and globally too. In Jalandhar, you can taste the authentic version of this creamy, mildly spiced curry. The chicken is marinated in spices and yoghurt, then cooked in a tandoor before being simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy that includes butter and cream. In most of the local eateries, the chicken is first marinated and chargrilled in the tandoor and then added to the gravy. The smooth texture of the gravy is undoubtedly the highlight of this dish.
Where To Eat: Moti Mahal, Model Town
Cost/Plate: ₹400-₹600
7. Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti
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This traditional Punjabi dish is a must-try for any food lover visiting Jalandhar. Sarson ka Saag is a hearty meal that is made using mustard greens while Makki ki Roti is a flatbread made using cornmeal. The combination of the earthy flavours of the saag and the slightly sweet taste of the roti creates a satisfying and comforting meal. The roti is usually topped with a chunk of white butter, which adds to the richness of the dish. It is surely a pretty comforting meal that is a staple in most Punjabi households during the winter months.
Where To Eat: Dhaba Pind, Haveli Restaurant
Cost/Serving: ₹200-300
8. Kadhi Pakora
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Another hearty and homely dish that you can try when in Jalandhar is Kadhi Pakora. The dish features a curd-based curry and is further accentuated with gram flour pakoras that are added to the dish. The kadhi is typically flavoured with turmeric, ginger, and green chillies, offering a tangy and spicy taste that pairs well with rice. In Jalandhar, this dish is often enjoyed with steamed basmati rice, making it a comforting meal. Also, while you are in Jalandhar looking to try this dish, visit the street food carts or the laidback local dhabas and eateries instead of the fine dining restaurants. The rustic flavours are best explored in those local food joints.
Where To Eat: Zaika Veg Dhaba, Shree Khatu Shyam Kadhi Kachori, Parkash Masale, Chokhi Dhani Foods
Cost/Plate: ₹150-₹200
9. Pindi Chana
Photo: Maskaravivek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Unlike the chole that you get with kulcha and bhature, Pindi Chana is a dry, spicy chickpea dish that has become a favourite in Jalandhar. Not just in the city, the dish is quite celebrated across Punjab. Unlike chole, Pindi Chana is prepared without onions or tomatoes, which gives it a distinct, dark hue. The dish is flavoured with a mix of whole spices like black cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves, creating a smoky, earthy flavour. The dish is best served with poori or even bhature. Some even prefer eating it with parathas.
Where To Eat: Lovely Sweets, Nakodar Road
Cost/Plate: ₹100-₹140
10. Dahi Bhalla
Photo: Muhammad Khawar Nazir / Pexels
For a street food option in Jalandhar, which is also vegetarian, Dahi Bhalla is one worth trying. It is a refreshing and tangy dish that consists of soft lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt and topped with various chutneys, spices, and sometimes pomegranate seeds. It is a staple dish that is loved by people across Punjab and India. When in Jalandhar head to the local market areas to try this dish. Also, the cool element from the yoghurt makes this a great option during the peak summer months.
Where To Eat: Dahi Bhalla Corner, Subhash Chat, Agarwal Chat Bhandar
Cost/Pate: ₹50-₹80
The best food in Jalandhar explain how diverse things are, especially highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the state. Be it the rustic and robust flavours of the tandoori chicken or the vegetarian staples like Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag, the city caters to every palate. To experience this in real time, head to Jalandhar to check out the amazing food scene after booking your vacation with TripXL.
Cover Photo: dhiraj jain / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
