If there is one place in India where love is measured in the number of rotis on your plate or where food is not just something to eat but an emotion, it has to be the state of Punjab! Food for Punjabis is an expression of love, a celebration of togetherness, a way of welcoming people, and a tradition that has been passed down through generations. We at unstumbled decided to witness this love for food firsthand, and no, we did not fly to Punjab for it; we found it here in Mumbai itself!
Yes, we visited Mumbai’s Pratap Da Dhaba, and we were joined by not only delicious food but also Seema Pratap, an entrepreneur and chef at the eatery. In the new episode of unstumbled’s “State On A Plate,” we take you on a journey to discover Punjab’s food culture.
State On A Plate: Relishing Punjabi Cuisine In Mumbai
Punjabi Food In Mumbai
In this episode of “State On A Plate,” we decided to explore the best of Punjabi delicacies at Pratap Da Dhaba in Mumbai. We were accompanied by Mumbai-based culinary maestro, chef, and entrepreneur Seema Pratap, who helped us understand the culinary magic of Punjab better.
We began our journey by first understanding whether Butter Chicken (one of the most famous dishes) should be sweet or savoury. To which Seema explained us how its taste was changed to sweet to suit the palate of foreigners only. The sweet version is surely not for Indians.
The table was filled with some of the richest dishes of Indian cuisine, and we couldn’t wait to start. She served us vodka pani puri to begin our Punjabi food exploration, and it tasted simply and shockingly amazing. This was followed by Masala Lasan, which is a fun starter element that gets you addicted.
For starters, she served us Signature Chura Papad, a non-vegetarian platter (chicken seekh, mutton seekh, tandoori chicken, chap), Malai Soya Chaap, Vegetarian starters (Paneer tikka, stuffed aloo), and Achari Chicken Tikka.
For the main course, she served us Kali Dal, Dal Makhani, Dal Peshawari, Kathal Ki Sabzi, Chicken Dhaniya Adraki, Paneer Dhaniya Adraki, Sarso Da Saag, Butter Naan, Lacha paratha, Pudina Naan, Makai Di Roti, Garlic Naan, and white butter.
Also Read: State On A Plate: Exploring Authentic Maharashtrian Cuisine In Mumbai
Also Read: 9 Punjabi Sweets That Taste Even Better During Winter
Lassi, Masala, Vegetarian Punjabi & More
Our host Natasha could not resist asking Seema when the exact time to drink Lassi is. Is it before food or after? Seema answered that Lassi is taken while enjoying the food for balance.
Seema later explained that many ingredients used in Pratap Da Dhaba are brought in from Punjab. Kachri and Anar Dana are some of these ingredients, as they add a nice flavor to the dish, bringing in the authenticity.
She also explained to us that not all Punjabis are non-vegetarians. There are many Punjabis who prefer vegetarian dishes only. Seema ji also recommended the best places to relish Punjabi food in Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana. We were also taught in depth about Punjabi culture and hospitality.
About Pratap Da Dhaba, Mumbai
Pratap Da Dhaba is a popular North Indian and Punjabi restaurant in Mumbai known for its rustic highway-style ambience and classic comfort food. Apart from authentic dishes, they also host Live-counter Jalebi with Rabri and complimentary pre-meal mint/pudina shots, fried garlic, and spiced “mukka pyaaz”.
Address: B26, Industrial Road, 1, Veera Desai Rd, opposite Infinity Mall (former Lord of the Drinks location), Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053.
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Cost For Two: INR 1,000 plus
Also Read: State On A Plate: Exploring The Best Of Gujarati Cuisine In Mumbai
Summing Up
On this episode of “State on A Plate,” we relished authentic Punjabi cuisine at Pratap Da Dhaba restaurant, and it was simply fantastic. This new IP by unstumbled is here to take you on a state-wise culinary journey right here in the City of Dreams, Mumbai!
So, if you too wish to explore India’s diverse cuisine with us, make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel for all the new episodes. You can also follow us on Instagram (unstumbled) for more fun as well as informative content that we post regularly!
