Food History of Mohali (SAS Nagar), Punjab, India
Mohali, also known as Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar), is a city adjoining Chandigarh in Punjab. This region inherits its rich food history from the broader Punjabi culture, known for its hearty and flavorful cuisine. Historically, Punjab has been the land of five rivers with fertile soil, which led to an abundance of wheat, dairy, and vegetable produce. Mohali enjoys the same agricultural benefits, contributing to a diet that is often centered around bread, dairy products, lentils, and a variety of vegetables.
The food here is characterized by its robust flavors, liberal use of butter and ghee, and slow-cooked recipes. Significant influences come from the farming lifestyles, traditions of community dining like in 'Langars', and the shared cultural heritage with neighboring Pakistan. Even though Mohali is a relatively new city, established in 1975, it encapsulates the ancient culinary traditions of Punjab with a touch of modernity.
Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Mohali
Here are the top ten dishes one should not miss when visiting Mohali:
- Sarson da Saag & Makki di Roti (Vegetarian): No visit to Mohali is complete without indulging in this quintessential Punjabi dish made from mustard greens and cornmeal flatbread.
- Chole Bhature (Vegetarian): A delicious combination of spicy chickpeas (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature).
- Aloo Paratha (Vegetarian): A hearty flatbread stuffed with spiced potato filling, typically enjoyed with butter, yogurt or pickle.
- Paneer Tikka (Vegetarian): Marinated and grilled paneer (cottage cheese) served with mint chutney.
- Rajma Chawal (Vegetarian): A comforting dish of red kidney beans curry served with rice.
- Dal Makhani (Vegetarian): Creamy and buttery lentil dish, slow-cooked to perfection and usually served with naan or rice.
- Amritsari Kulcha (Vegetarian): A popular flatbread stuffed with potatoes or paneer, crisp on the outside and soft inside.
- Gobi Paratha (Vegetarian): Flatbread stuffed with spicy cauliflower filling.
- Lassi (Vegetarian): A refreshing yogurt-based drink, it can be sweet or salty, and sometimes flavored with fruits and spices.
- Jalebi (Vegetarian): A sweet treat, these are deep-fried wheat flour spirals soaked in sugar syrup.
Top Famous Restaurants in Mohali with Famous Food
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Pal Dhaba
SCF 38, Phase 5, Sector 59, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 160059
Famous Food: Paneer Butter Masala (Vegetarian)
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Katani Dhaba
SCO 40, Phase 3B-2, Sector 60, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 160059
Famous Food: Dal Makhani (Vegetarian)
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The Brew Estate
SCO 5 & 6, Sector 59, Mohali Stadium Rd, Phase 5, Sector 59, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 160059
Famous Food: Vegetable Platter (Vegetarian)
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Haveli
Junction NH-21 & NH-95, Sector 77, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mohali, Punjab 160055
Famous Food: Sarson da Saag & Makki di Roti (Vegetarian)
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Sohi Restaurant
5, Phase 5, Sector 59, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab 160059
Famous Food: Chana Masala (Vegetarian)
Note: Always check for the latest information and reviews for these restaurants as businesses can change over time. Additionally, it is advisable to confirm the food type (vegetarian/non-vegetarian) when ordering, as menus may change.