Highly influenced from the Mughalai culinary traditions, the Punjabi cuisine is a mainstream favorite across the county. Be it Patiala, Amritsar or Ludhiyana, every city in Punjab has something special in store for a connoisseur of good food. Here are five most sought after Punjabi dishes to indulge in when cravings hit.

Butter chicken

This rich and spicy curry, popularly known as murgh makhani in the region, is ultimately the most famous Indian curry ever. Every dhaba across the country has been serving this particular dish for those who come in search for the taste of Punjab. But if you want to have the most authentic (and yummiest) version, you must head to some highway dhabas in Punjab.

Butter chicken

Find butter chicken recipe here

Amritsari Kulcha

Amritsar is the soul of Punjab and the land that hosts all those who come in search for salvation at the renowned Golden Temple. It also boasts of having the largest free kitchen or langar in the world. Its namesake kulcha also maintains the grandeur with its divine taste and humble appearance.  

Amritsari Kulcha

Find Amritsari kulcha recipe here

Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti

If you are willing to try dishes a-la-carte, explore the villages to taste a side dish made of fresh mustard leaves, along with a hot makki roti. It is the one combination the entire state go crazy about during winter season.

Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti

Dal Makhani

Dal makhani is that delicious thick and creamy kidney beans-black gram curry that you get with naan. Thanks to Kundan Lal Gujaral and his Moti Mahal restaurant, this dish now has a world-wide fan-base. However, if you ever head to Punjab, don't forget to try out the authentic version, which is made by a day-long process.

Dal makhani

Lassi

This yogurt-based drink from Punjab is a summer-time favorite across the country. The number of films that show a “lassi-moustache” or “lassi-burp” to make a Punjabi reference is so high that it has now become an over-used trope. Don't miss out this iconic Punjabi drink and the fruit-based variants.

Lassi

Find mango lassi recipe here