When we’re talking about vegetarian dishes, there really is no place that does it better than Punjab. And if you’re looking for vegetarian dishes in Mumbai, India, there’s no better place than Oye Kake. Keep reading to find out more.
Sarson ka Saag, Makke di Roti, Kulcha, Chole….the list goes on. What’s the one thing common about all these foods? They have the same birthplace! Punjab has not only given birth to some of the greatest individuals we know in Indian history (Manmohan Singh, Raj Kapoor, Milkha Singh) but also to some of the greatest food we know in Indian cuisine.
The agricultural abundance in Punjab has given it opportunity to come out with many Indian dishes that utilize vegetables, grains and pulses as the main ingredients. Many of the dishes in Punjab, such as Chole-Bhature, tell a tale of not just the land, but also the people of Punjab. So when you taste Punjabi dishes, whether it’s in Amritsar or Mumbai, India, it tells stories of Punjabi farms, farmers, and those who lovingly prepare these dishes.
Popular Punjabi Dishes
When talking about popular Punjabi food, there is street food, and then there is food that is served as main course dishes. While a lot of Punjabi food can be found as street food (Paratha, chole-kulcha, papdi ki chaat, etc), many more dishes are served as main course dishes, as they are extremely flavourful and nutritious. They are usually paired with an Indian bread, such as roti, paratha or kulcha. Popular Punjabi cuisine includes:
Ambarsari Malai Kofta: When you’re looking for rich, delectable and indulgent dishes, the Ambarsari Malai Kofta doesn’t disappoint. The Punjabi variation features koftas made from a mixture of potatoes and vegetables. The curry base utilizes tomatoes, onions and malai, along with various spices. It is paired perfectly with naan or tandoori rotis to make it a full meal.
Dal Makhani: While this originated in Punjab, it has quickly become one of the most popular dishes in India. It is made with rajma (red kidney beans) and urad dal (black lentils). It utilizes ghee or butter to give it that signature richness, along with spices such as garam masala. It is usually served with naan or rice.
Paneer Kadai: This dish can vary depending on which region of India you are eating it in. In Punjab, the dish is made with a tomato-onion-based gravy, with lots of butter, bell peppers, onions and paneer. It is served with naan, paratha or rice.
Kulcha: A popular street food in Punjab, Kulcha is a type of Indian flatbread. It is traditionally served with chole, achaar, onions and lemon drizzled on top. At Oye Kake, you can find many variations of the traditional kulcha, including Aloo, Pyaaz, Methi, Corn, Paneer, and Chocolate Kulcha!
Paratha: Another popular street food in Punjab, Paratha is a stuffed Indian flatbread that is served with dahi (yoghurt), chutney, achaar and chopped onions. At Oye Kake, you can find parathas with almost any stuffing. From the traditional aloo paratha to malai paratha, we even offer parathas with a combination of two stuffings!
Chole: Traditionally served with naan, kulcha, bhature or rice, chole is a classic Indian dish. It is made using chickpeas in a tomato-onion gravy. It is flavoured with a variety of spices to make it both rich and spicy.
When you’re looking to get a taste of authentic Punjab in Mumbai, India, Oye Kake is here to serve you. Our range of authentic vegetarian Punjabi dishes will make you feel like you’ve landed straight in the streets of Amritsar. Whether with family or friends, we’re here to help you feel at home, and help you enjoy our food as much as possible!