On the mention of Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden, and a place that has a pizza vending machine, which place comes to your mind? You got it right if you thought about Chandigarh. But did you know what attracted people to Chandigarh before the pizza vending machine? It was the street food culture here that continues to be the first love of many localities here. The gastronomic street food scene in Chandigarh makes it a must-visit but you need to know what to try and where. Let’s explore just that!
Street Food To Have In Chandigarh
- Golgappa
- Dahi Bhalla
- Chole Bhature
- Pav Bhaji
- Spring Rolls
- Amritsari Kulcha
- Lassi
1. Golgappa
You know the dish by different names like pani puri, puchka, pani ke batashe, but you know it. This is the universal representation of chaat food in India. One of those dishes that you can never have enough of but you can’t eat more either because of how spicy it is.
If you want to challenge your taste buds, have golgappa in Chandigarh. The filling is spicy while water is spicier without you even asking them to make it so. And try fitting in the entire puri without creating a mess if you can because it’s big.
Best Places To Have Golgappa In Chandigarh: Ram Chaat Bhandar in sector 34, Garg Chaat in sector 23, Rehri in sector 15
2. Dahi Bhalla
Soothe your taste buds with a cold, sweet round of Dahi Bhalle after that spicy golgappa. Although savory, this street food isn’t as spicy as the others. It’s a mix of fluffy fried gram flour balls that are soaked in cold yogurt. For the flavors, it’s topped with sour tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and other powdered spices for the perfect taste.
Best Places To Have: Garg Chaat in sector 23, Krishna Chaat House in sector 34, Shiv Misthan Bhandar in sector 18
3. Chole Bhature
Piping hot puris dipped in a thick spicy gravy of chickpea with a dash of lime for that extra flavor served with onions and sour pickle – that’s Chole Bhature for you. This dish has the power to get you to drop your fitness regime and call for more large-size puris one after the other.
It’s so popular among the locals that they can savor it at any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner. Your best pair for this dish is a tall glass of lassi or chaas and then doze off for the day because that’s how sleepy and full you’ll be.
Best Places To Have: Pal Dhaba in sector 28, Katani Dhaba in Sector 35
4. Pav Bhaji
If you thought only Mumbaikars loved pav bhaji, you’re wrong. Chandigarh loves it too. The bhaji is a semi-thick preparation of mashed potatoes and other vegetables that are slowly cooked in a tangy, spicy tomato gravy and lots of spices for that lip-smacking taste.
It’s topped with butter that slowly melts into the bhaji, cutting through the spice, and the pav is lightly fried for that crisp texture.
Best Places To Have: Khokha in sector 17, Sindhi Sweets in sector 17, Chilli Chaats in sector 9
5. Spring Rolls
Imagine a thin dosa that’s taken off the flame just before it gets brown and crispy. Now stuff this half-cooked dosa with minced meat or vegetables. You roll it up and instead of cooking it on the pan, deep fry it, and voila you’ve just made yourself a spring roll!
This delicious snack is almost everywhere in Chandigarh and the best part about it is that it’s light on the stomach, so hog on!
Best Places To Have: Sector 15
6. Amritsari Kulcha
Sibling of the bhature, this is lighter on the stomach and tastier because of the paneer or vegetable stuffing. The kulchas are fluffy flatbreads that are best paired with a chickpea gravy. Unlike the chickpea in chole bhature, the chickpea for a kulcha is pressure-cooked and cooked with minimal spices. You can think of it as the healthier alternative to chole bhature.
You can have Amritsari kulcha for breakfast or along with some refreshing kulhad chai in the evening.
Best Places To Have: Kulcha Hub in sector 9, Sodhi’s Zaika in sector 46, Student Canteen of Punjab University
7. Lassi
Wondering how it counts as street food and not drink? Because it’s so thick, often people choose to eat it with a spoon. Lassi is a classic summer refreshment that’s made of yogurt. Thick yogurt is beaten till and then mixed with sweeteners like sugar, sugar syrup, or jaggery.
It’s also usually paired with several other main course and street dishes for the perfect, hearty end to your meal.
Best Places To Have: Pal Dhaba in Sector 28, Gopal Sweets in Sector 35
Summing Up
Street food in Chandigarh isn’t just to fill the tummy. It’s an experience in itself that one must have for a wholesome trip to Chandigarh.
FAQs
What Is Famous In Chandigarh To Eat?
Some famous dishes you can eat in Chandigarh are Sarson Ka Saag, Makke Di Roti, Lachha Paratha, Rajma, and Chole Bhature
Which Sector Is Best For Street Food In Chandigarh?
Sector 23, Sector 37C, and Sector 44 are some of the sectors that are well-known for street food in Chandigarh.
What Sweet Is Famous In Chandigarh?
Rabri, kulfi, and milk-based sweets are famous in Chandigarh.
