Can you ever imagine a hearty meal without tikkas and butter chicken? We simply cannot. The dollops of butter on authentic Punjabi khaana can uplift your mood. So, if you've been wondering where to get the best Punjabi food in Hyderabad, fret not — we've got you covered.
From dal makhni and butter chicken to sarson da saag (you're just in time for this seasonal specialty) and chole bhature — here's LBB's round-up of the best Punjabi restaurants in Hyderabad.
With more than four outlets in Hyderabad, Norfest Dhaba is our constant when we crave Punjabi food. We can never get enough of their galouti kebabs and Peri Peri Paneer Tikka. Their combos like Dal Makhni Chawal, Punjabi Special Thalis, and Kadi Chawal are must-tries. In mains, go for Chicken Kheema Parantha, Dhaba Chicken, and Paneer Butter Masala. They've got more varieties in paranthas, pulaos, and combos that you might want to gobble down. Also, did we mention Norfest's Gulab Jamun is absolutely divine?
Fabulous, new, and totally happening — Punjab Bistro is apt for family dinners. Located in Inorbit Mall, this bistro is serving up awesome. They've got an elaborate menu with Punjabi dishes and even fusion dishes. If you are big on starters (who isn't?), go for their Tandoori Murgh, Chicken Ghee Roast, Fish Amritsari, Beetroot & Pinni Tikki and Salmon Tikka. In mains, go for Paneer Tikka Masala, Amritsari Murgh Rogani, Kadhai Prawns. Pair them with either biryani or paranthas. Either way, you're signing up for ambrosia!
The best part about Dildaar in Madhapur is it instantly transports you to Punjab. When you step in, there's a courtyard with trees and minimal seating. Walk right in for their indoor seating and at the entrance, you'll spot a black board with the day's or season's specialty dishes. We truly love their Sarson Da Saag and Makki Di Roti which is available right now. In starters, go for Tandoori Chicken and Dahi K Sholey and in mains, don't miss their Veg Jalfrezi, Dhaba Chicken, and Dal Makhni. Comfort food at its best! Wash it down with masala chaas and in case you're interested, they serve up thalis for lunch.
Get to The Kulcha Kulture in Madhapur or Secunderabad and ask for Galouti Kebab, Chilli Kulcha, and Bauji Da Chur Chur Kulcha. The kebabs are unbelievably tender and served with rumaali roti and pudina chutney — these are the best starters you could ask for. Their paranthas are served with chole and imli chutney and we loved them so much that we ask for refills. Go for Chilli Kulcha, Paneer Kulcha, and Bauji Da Chur Chur Kulcha. Buttery good and extremely filling, these remind you of the food you've eaten in Punjab.
Vegetarians, this one's for you! Gabru Di Chaap makes delicious soya kebabs that you will make it your constant. And why not? Their pocket-friendly options include delicacies like Kamaal Di Amritsari Chaap (super spicy), Kinni Sohni Boti Chaap (so creamy and good), Badnaam Chilli Garlic Chaap (spicy and garlicy — if that's how you love it). They've got chaap wraps and chaap meals that are honestly quite filling. Served with onions and pudina chutney, these dishes go well with Gabru's Cola Shikanji and Rose-Lemon Shikanji.
Punjab National Hotel in Banjara Hills is located inside a bungalow and our mouth is legit watering as we write this. This restaurant has a homely ambience — spot charpais, potted plants, quaint chandeliers, antique mirrors and frames as decor accents. In starters, we recommend going for Tandoori Mushroom, Amritsari Fish, and Sauteed Prawns. When you're done with these melt-in-the-mouth kinda starters, dash straight for the mains. Chicken Saagwala, Mutton Rogan Josh, Amritsari Kulchas, and Yakhni Pulaos await. Don't forget to end your meal with gaajar ka halwa.
Three things that describe 13 Dhaba in Madhapur the best: pocket-friendly food, rustic and simple ambience, and quick service. We've been eating at this dhaba for years and we can vouch for their food quality — in all these years, it still remains the same. You've got to eat their Kadhi Pakoda Rice, Cholay Bhature, and Dal Makhnee Rice. In a rush? Grab their Stuffed Tawa Parantha or Stuffed Tandoori Kulcha combos which are served with raita and a dish of your choice: rajma, dal makhni, or cholay. This place also delivers till 11pm so if you're craving something late night, order in!
Simple, non-fussy, and great food is what defines Popular Punjabi Paratha House the best. Tucked away in Sindhi Colony, this absolute gem of a place is where you'll share tables with strangers. Their chef's special Balle Balle Parantha comes with delicious chole masala and pudina chutney — a must try. Of course, you cannot miss their classic Aloo Gobhi Parantha and Methi Parantha. You can also check what are the day's specialties with the staff. Don't forget to wash down this heavy meal with a tumbler of lassi or butter milk.