TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- Introduction
- What Is Punjabi Cuisine?
- Top 10 Punjabi Foods You Need To Try
- Why Should You Try Punjabi Food?
- Visit a Punjabi Restaurant in Crawley!
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Introduction
At Zari Restaurant we are lovers of Asian foods, so we wanted to share our top ten must-try dishes. Whether you are new to the cuisine or a long-time fan, this list will send you on an epic tasting adventure that will be hard to forget.
What Is Punjabi Cuisine?
Originating from Punjab, which is the northern part of South Asia, Punjabi food is known for its rich and spiced dishes. Flavours are perfectly balanced, with a buttery and creamy ideal for any palette. This cuisine is also popular as it offers something for everyone, with a nice mix of vegetarian, vegan, and meat dishes available.
Top 10 Punjabi Foods You Need To Try
Chicken Makhani
This creamy and buttery chicken dish is incredible and features fragrant fenugreek in a rich and sweet tomato sauce. The sauce is thick and silky, ideal for coating over fluffy rice or scooping up with a flatbread. The flavours are also not too rich, making it ideal for people of all ages.
This is a dish we serve at Zari Restaurant, so book a table to try it out on your next visit!
Paratha
We couldn’t talk about Punjabi food without mentioning Paratha which is a famous flatbread. Traditionally eaten at all times of the day, this delicacy can be enjoyed sweet or savoury. Experience our flavourful stuffed paratha at Zari restaurant, a beloved favourite among our customers.
Butter Chicken
Punjabi butter chicken is one of the most famous dishes. Featuring a rich tomato, ginger and garlic sauce, it is known for melting in the mouth with just an aromatic blend of fragrance notes being left behind. Its similarities to other Asian dishes also means it is loved by many.
Amritsari Fish
If you prefer fish, this deep-fried delight is perfect for you! Lighting fried in a light breadcrumb, the fish is often served with lime and chilli which offsets it brilliantly.
Makke di Roti
Another popular flatbread within Punjabi cuisine is the Makke Di Roti which is a maize flour flatbread ideal for eating with sauces. This flatbread is also full of vitamins and fibre, so it’s commonly eaten with many meals.
Paneer Tikka
The paneer tikka is a traditional Pubjabi kebab marinated in delicious spices and served with a light yoghurt dip. You can use whatever vegetables you want, but onions and peppers are usually preferred. Finish with the signature paneer, and you have the perfect starter dish.
Sarson Ka Saag
With Saag meaning green, it is no surprise that this striking dish features abundant fresh vegetables, including spinach as the main flavour. The main flavour note is mustard which offers a subtle yet dynamic heat.
Shami Kebab
Shami kebabs are made using beef or yellow split peas, depending on your dietary preference. They are hand-formed patties, then lightly fried for the perfect golden finish.
Doodhi Ka Halwa
We couldn’t list our top treats without mentioning some dessert options!
Doodhi Ka Halwa is a sweetened squash dish with milk, sugar and ghee. You can adjust the sugary taste to suit your palette, making it ideal for everyone. The squash also goes beautifully soft, making for a stunning texture.
Shahi Tukra
Last but not least is Shahi Tukra which is so pretty you almost don’t want to eat it! It is a Punjabi bread pudding with creamy ghee and milk sauce that is finished with rose petals and sometimes nuts.
Why Should You Try Punjabi Food?
If you love fragrant meals that send you a tasting journey, you will adore Punjabi cuisine. Not only are the meals delicious, but they are also healthy with a mix of vitamins that can be found in the various items commonly used.
Visit a Punjabi Restaurant in Crawley!
Has this blog left you thinking about the irresistible dishes we have mentioned? If so, you can try some authentic Punjabi cuisine at the Zari Restaurant in Crawley. Cooked by Asian food experts, we use traditional methods and ingredients to capture the taste of Punjabi delicacies perfectly.
Conclusion
From rich tomato curries to creamy sweet desserts, Punjabi food offers something for everyone. Make sure you visit us to try it out for yourself.
FAQs:
Q: Is Punjabi Food Hard to Cook?
Punjabi food is fun to prepare, but does require a wide array of ingredients and some patience at times. By sticking to the recipes and letting flavours marinate, you will be presented with a hardy dish that pleases all of the senses.
Q: Is Punjabi Food Ideal for Children?
The beauty of this cuisine is that it can be enjoyed by anyone. Thanks to the creamy base in some meals, you can find toned-down flavours for children that gives them an enjoyable introduction into Asian cooking.
Q: What are some famous Punjabi desserts?
A: Some famous Punjabi desserts include Gulab Jamun (deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup), Jalebi (crispy sweet spirals), and Phirni (rice pudding flavored with cardamom and saffron).
Q: Are there any vegetarian options in Punjabi cuisine?
A: Absolutely! Punjabi cuisine offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, such as Dal Makhani (creamy lentils), Chole (spiced chickpeas), and Aloo Gobi (potato and cauliflower curry), which are popular choices among vegetarians.
Q: How spicy is Punjabi food?
A: Punjabi food can be spicy, but the level of spiciness varies depending on personal preference and the specific dish. Some dishes are mildly spiced, while others can be quite fiery. It’s always a good idea to ask about the spice level when ordering or preparing Punjabi food if you’re sensitive to heat.