Chandigarh’s largely underrated, but burgeoning food scene encompasses a slew of local family-owned food joints, many of which have been around for decades. And with any new-age city, the hunger for trendy cafés and fine dining restaurants is on the rise. While the locals know the best places to go for meaty, buttery, rich North Indian cuisine, a first-timer to the city can suffer from FOMO! I spent around 3 days in the city and thanks to the recommendations that poured in from my followers on Instagram, I managed to visit some of the best restaurants in Chandigarh:
Best Restaurants in Chandigarh
Gopal Sweets
This a/c, sit-down restaurant serves everything from North Indian to street food and is known for being the go-to place for a quick meal that never disappoints. If you manage to make it past their array of delicious-smelling mithai on display, try out their perfect Chole Bhature. Unlike the ginormous (and oily) bhature you find in Mumbai, this one was relatively guilt-free. I love Sweet Lassi and wasn’t a fan of the peppery one I got, though.
Baba Chicken, Mohali
Went for the Butter Chicken, but my order was apparently lost in translation and I got the Butter Paneer instead. No complaints – it was delicious! But the highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Afghan Chicken. Marinated in a deliciously rich cashew nut-cream marinade, and slightly charred at the edges, it was sublime! Being an establishment as old as 1964, they seem to have their recipes perfected.
Crown Patisserie, Sector 17
Walking into this pretty café was such a delight! Decorated in florals and touches of green, it has a variety of seating options and a fine menu. While the cappuccino was average, the rainbow cake was a surprise! Not only did it look beautiful, but it was indulgent, not too sweet, and ultra moist! Definitely a must try!
Bansal Amritsari Kulcha
Technically not in Chandigarh, but in neighbouring Panchkula, Bansal Amritsari Kulcha is my new addition to this blog post from my visit to Punjab two weeks ago, in Feb 2023. This hole-in-the-wall establishment is so nondescript that you’d never guess the insane variety of Kulchas that their menu features. It is said that one has to wait a long time to get in during meal times, but I visited mid-morning and the place was less than half full. I got the Amritsari chur chur garlic kulcha with chai and it was divine!!
The hygiene is not the best, and the seating is a little uncomfortable, but the kulcha comes to you hot, crispy, and buttery, making you forget all about it. The chole and the watery tomato chutney could have been better. Paisa vasool, nonetheless.
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This list barely scratches the surface of what Chandigarh offers, but it was all I could manage to do during my limited time in the city. Nevertheless, I’m sure I will make another trip back soon enough and have tons of other places to add! If you’ve got any suggestions for the next time, comment below – I’d appreciate the help!
Bye!
for best Punjabi/Indian food ,must visit Pal Dhaba in Chandigarh, we went once only it was best experience.
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Hi Kartik, thanks for the suggestion. I’m not too familiar with the restaurants in Chandigarh, but will keep it in mind for the next visit.
This is such a good blog.
Very interesting, Please share more.