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the people. Copious quantities of butter
and cream are used to add the final zing
to many dishes, leaving a warm afterglow
both in the stomach and the soul.
Punjab is known as the bread basket of the
country, which means that wheat (and its
derivatives) dominate mealtimes, along
with both vegetarian and meat dishes. Dairy
products also form a regular part of the Punjabi
diet in all forms: lassi, yoghurt, paneer and
just good old milk. Locals love to haunt their
favourite street dhabas, where the food is
certain to be finger-licking good.
The ideal way to experience authentic Punjabi
cuisine is at a local home, where the food is
served with genuine affection, along with
freshly churned butter. Failing that, head to the
Hyatt Regency in Chandigarh—the capital city
of both Punjab and Haryana—for a taste of the
spiced Achari Paneer Tikka at Urban Café. The
many ingredients that go into traditional north
Indian pickles—mustard seeds, fenugreek,
chillies and so on—are used to marinate
the paneer, after which the soft pieces of
cottage cheese are skewered and baked in clay
tandoor ovens.
THE BEST OF WORLD CUISINE
The all-day dining restaurant of Hyatt Amritsar,
Collage is famous for an extensive buffet layover for
breakfast and dinner. On offer are Indian and global
delicacies, interactive kitchens and al fresco dining
in a casual atmosphere.
From above: A mix
of delicacies from
Punjab and Haryana
are on offer at Urban
Café at Hyatt
Regency Chandigarh;
Amritsar's famed
street food, the
delicious Chole Kulche.
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