Chandigarh is a city where good food is not hard to find. A lot of restaurants and cafés are seen around the city. But when a simple Punjabi meal is wanted, a Dhaba often feels like the right place.
Hot roti is served, dal is brought to the table, and paneer or chicken is ordered on the side. A glass of lassi can also be added.
If you are searching for the best Dhaba in Chandigarh, quite a few names will come up. Some places are old and popular, while some are small and mostly visited by local people.
The best place will also depend on what you like to eat.
So, let us look at some Dhaba’s in Chandigarh where a proper Indian meal can be enjoyed.
Best Dhabas in Chandigarh
A dhaba is usually kept simple. Food is given more importance than fancy decoration.
Some people go for butter chicken. Some prefer dal and roti. Parathas, paneer and lassi are also liked by many.
Here are a few places that have been popular among people looking for Punjabi and North Indian food.
1. Pal Dhaba
Pal Dhaba is located in Sector 28-D.
It is one of the better-known names when food in Chandigarh is talked about. The place has been around for many years, and Punjabi food is its main attraction.
Butter chicken, dal and other North Indian dishes are served here.
If you are going with family, a proper meal can be ordered and shared. With friends, a few different dishes can be put on the table and shared as well.
The setup is simple. So, if a fancy restaurant is not what you are looking for, this kind of place may be liked.
Location: Sector 28-D
Best for: Punjabi food, butter chicken and dal
What Can Be Ordered?
- Butter chicken
- Dal
- Naan
- Other North Indian dishes
If you are visiting for the first time, one or two popular dishes can be asked about before ordering.
2. Deluxe Dhaba
Deluxe Dhaba is also found in Sector 28.
It is located close to Pal Dhaba, so both names are often seen when food in this part of Chandigarh is searched for.
Punjabi and North Indian food is served here. Chicken, paneer, dal and roti are among the types of food that can be ordered.
A meal with friends or family can be enjoyed here without making the plan too complicated.
Location: Sector 28-C
Best for: Punjabi food, chicken dishes and family meals
Why Is Sector 28 Worth Checking?
A number of food places are found around Sector 28.
So, if one place is too busy, another option is nearby. This can be useful when a group has not decided where the meal will be taken.
3. Gurbax Dhaba
Gurbax Dhaba is located in Sector 22-D.
A simple Indian meal is served here, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available.
Dal, roti, paneer and other Indian dishes can be ordered.
If you are already around Sector 22, the dhaba can be added to the food plan.
Location: Sector 22-D
Best for: Simple meals, Punjabi food and family visits
The opening hours may be changed from time to time. It is better to check them before leaving.
4. Nukkar Dhaba
Nukkar Dhaba is located in Sector 22-C.
North Indian food is served here, and the place is another option for a simple lunch or dinner.
The location is also useful if you are visiting the Sector 22 market. Shopping can be done first, and food can be enjoyed afterwards.
Location: Sector 22-C
Best for: North Indian food, lunch and dinner
Before going, the latest timing can be checked. This is especially useful when a visit is being planned late in the evening.
5. Katani Dhaba
Katani Dhaba is located in Sector 35-D.
North Indian food is served here, with vegetarian choices also available.
A family meal can be planned here, or a casual meal with friends can be had.
Sometimes, nothing special is needed. A few rotis, dal and a paneer dish are enough.
Location: Sector 35-D
Best for: North Indian food and family meals
The current opening time should be checked before visiting.
6. Dhaba 7
Dhaba 7 is found in Sector 7-C.
It is another place where dhaba-style food can be found in Chandigarh.
Lunch and dinner are served, depending on the day’s timings.
If you are already in Sector 7, this place can be kept in mind when food is being looked for.
Location: Sector 7-C
Best for: Lunch, dinner and casual meals
If a large group is going, seating can be checked beforehand.
7. Lahori Dhaba
Lahori Dhaba is located in Sector 44-D.
Simple North Indian and Punjabi-style food is served here.
It can be a useful option when a filling meal is wanted without going to a large restaurant.
Location: Sector 44-D
Best for: Simple food and budget meals
Prices can change, so the latest menu should be checked before ordering.
What Should Be Ordered at a Dhaba?
This is where things get interesting.
When a dhaba is visited, there is usually no need to order a very complicated meal.
A few simple dishes can be shared.
Common Food Choices at a Dhaba
- Dal makhani
- Dal fry
- Butter chicken
- Chicken curry
- Paneer
- Chole
- Aloo paratha
- Tandoori roti
- Butter naan
- Rice
- Lassi
If you are hungry, dal with roti can be ordered first. A paneer or chicken dish can be added after that.
For breakfast, paratha with curd can be a good choice.
And when the meal is finished, a glass of lassi can be ordered.
That is a pretty simple Punjabi meal.
Which Dhaba Is Known for Butter Chicken?
Butter chicken is one of the first dishes that is thought of when Punjabi food is mentioned.
Pal Dhaba is well known for this dish. Chicken dishes are also served at other dhabas in Chandigarh.
But taste is a personal thing.
A gravy that is loved by one person may not be liked by another. So, the “best” butter chicken can be different for everyone.
If you are trying a dhaba for the first time, one dish can be ordered first. More food can be ordered if it is liked.
Which Dhabas Are Good for Families?
A family meal is usually kept simple.
A place with enough seating and different food choices is preferred.
The following dhabas can be looked at for this type of meal:
- Pal Dhaba
- Deluxe Dhaba
- Gurbax Dhaba
- Katani Dhaba
If children are coming along, the menu can be checked first. This can make ordering easier.
A less busy time can also be chosen if a quieter meal is wanted.
Can a Budget Meal Be Had at a Dhaba?
Yes, a simple meal can usually be planned.
There is no need to order several main dishes.
For example:
- Dal and roti
- Rice and dal
- Paratha and curd
- Chole and roti
- Paneer with roti
The bill will depend on the food ordered and the place visited.
If a fixed budget has been set, the menu should be checked before ordering.
When Should a Dhaba Be Visited?
Most dhabas are visited during lunch and dinner.
Lunch can be a good time when a quick meal is wanted.
Dinner can be busier, especially on weekends.
If you are going with a big group, an earlier visit may be easier. A table can be found without waiting too long.
One more thing should be remembered. Some places have a break between lunch and dinner.
So, before leaving home, the opening time should be checked.
Why Is Dhaba Food Loved by Many People?
Maybe it is because the food feels simple.
A big plan is not needed.
A table is taken, rotis are ordered and dal is served hot. Friends start talking while the food is being eaten.
That is often enough.
The food is also usually made in a familiar Indian style. Spices, butter, roti and dal are commonly seen on the table.
For many people, a dhaba meal is not about luxury.
It is just about eating well.
Things to Check Before Going
Opening Time
The timings should be checked before a visit.
Some dhabas may close for a short break during the afternoon.
Menu
If you have a particular dish in mind, check if it is available.
Price
The menu can be looked at before ordering, especially when a budget has been decided.
Seating
Popular places may get busy during lunch and dinner.
If a big group is going, seating can be asked about before visiting.
Food Quantity
Do not order too much at once.
A few dishes can be ordered first. More can be added if everyone is still hungry.
This way, food is less likely to be wasted.
Which Dhaba Should You Pick?
There is no need to make the choice difficult.
If you want to try a well-known name, Pal Dhaba can be put on the list.
If you are around Sector 28, Deluxe Dhaba is nearby.
For Sector 22, Gurbax Dhaba and Nukkar Dhaba are options.
If you are around Sector 35, Katani Dhaba can be checked.
And around Sector 44, Lahori Dhaba is one of the options.
The choice can simply be made based on:
- Where you are
- What you want to eat
- How much you want to spend
You do not have to find one dhaba that is called the best by everyone.
FAQs About Dhabas in Chandigarh
Which Is the Best Dhaba in Chandigarh?
Pal Dhaba is one of the popular names. Deluxe Dhaba, Gurbax Dhaba, Nukkar Dhaba, Katani Dhaba and Lahori Dhaba are also worth checking.
Which Dhaba Is Famous for Butter Chicken in Chandigarh?
Pal Dhaba is known for its butter chicken. Chicken dishes are also served at several other dhabas.
Where Can Good Dhabas Be Found in Chandigarh?
Sector 22 and Sector 28 are good areas to start. Food places can also be found in Sector 35, Sector 44 and other parts of the city.
What Food Should Be Tried at a Chandigarh Dhaba?
Dal, roti, naan, paneer, paratha, chole and butter chicken are some simple choices.
Is Dhaba Food Expensive in Chandigarh?
The price depends on the place and the food ordered. A simple dal and roti meal will usually be easier on the budget than a large meal with many dishes.
Can Families Visit Chandigarh Dhabas?
Yes. Many dhabas can be visited with families. Seating and the menu can be checked before going.
What Should Be Checked Before Visiting a Dhaba?
The timing, menu and prices should be checked. If a large group is going, seating should also be asked about.
Conclusion
A good Punjabi meal does not have to be complicated.
In Chandigarh, many dhabas are serving dal, roti, paneer, chicken, paratha and other Indian dishes.
Pal Dhaba, Deluxe Dhaba, Gurbax Dhaba, Nukkar Dhaba, Katani Dhaba and Lahori Dhaba are some names that can be kept in mind.
Pick the one that is close to you. Order the food you like. Sit with your family or friends and enjoy the meal.
And honestly, sometimes hot naan, dal and a glass of lassi are enough to make a simple meal feel special.