If you’ve been craving for some authentic Punjabi delicacies in Delhi, try out the Noor-e-Punjab menu at Punjab Grill, Janpath. By Kumar Shree
The Punjab Grill’s lion mascot is a hint of the grandeur and regal decor that resides behind that jet-black door of this restaurant. As I step inside the restaurant, I witness shades of royal brown and golden playing together to create a visual extravaganza. I get a warm, welcoming vibe, essential of a good restaurant.
As I glance through the Noor-e-Punjab menu, I observe the amount of detailing that has gone into conceptualising this spread. I start off the evening with Kala Channa Shorba, which traces its roots back to a common household in Amritsar. The love and affection of homemade food reflects in every sip of this shorba. The taste is familiar, and if consumed generously, can supply enough to get you through the day. It leaves a mild taste on my palate, making me long for the next dish.
Next, I try the Karele Di Tikki, a balanced conglomerate of bitter gourd, and potatoes elevated by the interplay of chilies, ginger, onion, cumin, and coriander. Despite being dicey about it, the neophyte in me wants to try and I don’t regret it. While I can taste the crunch from fried bitter gourds, the signature bitterness is missing and replaced flawlessly by the sweet red chutney and curd. The ginger juliennes elevate the dish further.
Moving on from the vegetarian fare, it is now time for tasting some non-vegetarian offerings from the Noor-e-Punjab menu. I opt for Patialawale Singhara Tikke, where perfectly squared pieces of Singhara fish, a delicacy in Punjab, are coated and cooked in a mixture of gram flour, chili powder, garam masala, and chaat masala. The tikkas come with a tangy mint and anardana chutney that mingles perfectly with the dish. The fish melts in my mouth even before I realise and leaves me craving for more.
Sigri Kukkad is a chicken dish that comes from a distant eatery in Punjab, which has been serving the same for more than 40 years now. I can taste the 40 years of finesse and practice in every bite. The chicken is juicy, succulent, and rich in flavours infused from the marination of garlic, chillies, mustard oil, and chaat masala.
Moving on to the mains, I settle for Tari Wala Kukkad and Mutton Kharoda Curry paired with Missi Roti. For the former, the tari, is an onion and tomato gravy cooked with regular spices in a home kitchen, the latter is mutton trotters sitting in a runny gravy. Mutton trotters are considered a delicacy in Punjab. Apart from being an absolute delight for the taste buds, these also keep the body warm in winters, help maintain healthy gut and bone health, and have skin-tightening properties, thus ensuring prolonged youth. Both dishes are on-point and I could not have asked for more.
To wrap it all up, I opt for Gurh Da Halwa, made from jaggery, semolina, wheat flour, and ghee. The taste is mild yet rich, and texture soft — a perfect culmination for a Punjabi dinner.
Recommendations: Karele Di Tikki, Patialawale Singhara Tikke, and Tari Wala Kukkad.
Address: 78, Janpath Rd, Atul Grove Road, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi – 110001
Contact: 093100 20740
Timings: 12 pm to 11:45 pm
Cost for two: INR 2,500
Related: Get A Taste Of India Through These Lip-Smacking Thalis!
