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Despite its small size, the city of Bathinda in Punjab is quite accomplished; renowned for hosting the Punjab University, the city is also home to two thermal power plants. In addition to its educational and technological prowess, Bathinda also boasts a diverse range of dishes, making it a food lover’s paradise. Among its most cherished specialties is the classic chole bhature. To get a taste of authentic Bathinda chole bhature, drop by the local joint Paharganji Chhole Bhature.
The cuisine of Bathinda also abounds in wheat-based delicacies, with dishes like aloo paratha and gobi paratha savoured extensively. This speaks to the agricultural roots of the city, where agrarian practices reign supreme. The city is also largely settled by the Sikh community, a large portion of which advocates for vegetarianism; thus, Bathinda offers several vegetarian specialties. The vibrant, delicious, and wholesome delicacies of Bathinda are guaranteed to not only satisfy food enthusiasts but also keep them coming back for more.
Check out some of the most famous culinary offerings of Bathinda.
Chole Bhature
A timeless Punjabi dish, chole bhature comprises a flavourful chickpeas gravy called “chole” that is eaten with soft deep-fried flatbreads called “bhature.” Chole is typically prepared using a host of spices, including coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chilli powder, whereas bhatures are usually crafted from maida. This dish is traditionally enjoyed as breakfast in Punjab alongside a glass of cooling lassi.
Recommendations: Paharganji Chhole Bhature
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹100, approx.
Gobi Paratha
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Wheat is one of the staple ingredients of Bathinda; therefore, the cuisine is composed of several wheat-based delicacies, including gobi paratha. This flatbread is stuffed with a robust cauliflower-based filling that’s typically seasoned with spices like coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder. Like aloo paratha, gobi paratha is relished as a breakfast item; this dish is usually consumed with butter, ghee, or curd.
Recommendations: Paratha Express
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹150, approx.
Kadhi Pakora
Kadhi pakora is a Punjabi dish wherein deep-fried fritters known as “pakoras” are doused in a yoghurt-based gravy called “kadhi.” The pakoras are crafted from gram flour, onions, and spices like garam masala and pepper. The kadhi incorporates ingredients, such as garlic, green chillies, fenugreek seeds, and cumin seeds. This tangy delicacy is frequently eaten with rice; the dish pairs well with rotis as well.
Recommendations: Radhe’s Mohan Dhaba
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200, approx.
Dal Makhani
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Dal makhani is a succulent lentils-based dish prepared using whole black lentils and red kidney beans. This delicacy is slow-cooked with butter and cream, from which it derives its name, “makhan” meaning butter in Hindi. One of the most popular offerings of North India, this aromatic dish features on several international menus as well. Punjabis traditionally savour dal makhani with rice or rotis.
Recommendations: Mani Dhaba
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200, approx.
Makki Di Roti And Sarson Da Saag
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The quintessential dish of Punjab, makki di roti combines a flatbread crafted from cornmeal called “makki di roti” with a soulful mustard-based gravy known as “sarson da saag.” The saag also incorporates greens, such as spinach, from which it derives its striking deep green colour. Although this dish is considered a winter specialty, it’s cherished throughout the year in Punjab owing to its creamy flavour and texture.
Recommendations: Amrik Dhaba
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹250, approx.
Halwa Puri
Halwa puri seamlessly combines sweet and savoury flavours into a single delightful dish. The “halwa” component of this dish refers to a sweet-tasting semolina pudding which is eaten in accompaniment with savoury deep-fried flatbreads made from maida called “puri.” Punjabis relish this dish as breakfast, full-fledged meals, and even evening snacks. Halwa puri is also a staple during Punjabi festivals, weddings, and other special occasions.
Recommendations: Gopal Sweets & Bakers
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹300, approx.
Lassi
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Lassi is a refreshing yoghurt-based beverage that’s a fixture in Punjabi households. Coming in various flavours, including rose, badam, and pista, this chilled drink is usually consumed after heavy meals as it’s a proven digestive. The drink is also infused with spices, such as cardamom and saffron, and is usually garnished with crushed nuts to give it a crunchy texture.
Recommendations: Mother’s Homemade Kitchen
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹100, approx.
