First Time At A Punjabi Restaurant? Here’s What You Should Order! 

So, you are planning to visit a punjabi restaurant in Calgary NE for the first time. Exciting, right? But with a menu full of rich curries, smoky tandoori dishes, and buttery breads, where do you even start?

Remember, Punjabi food is all about big flavors, hearty portions, and pure comfort, but ordering the right dishes can take your experience from good to unforgettable.

To make things easier, we have put together a must-try list so you know exactly what to order for the best first-time Punjabi food experience!

Butter Chicken with Garlic Naan 

There is a reason Butter Chicken is a Punjabi favorite, it is rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors. The tender, tandoor-cooked chicken soaks up the buttery, spiced tomato gravy, making every bite absolutely satisfying. And what better way to scoop up all that goodness than with Garlic Naan? Soft, fluffy, and brushed with butter and roasted garlic, it adds an extra layer of flavor. With such a rich meal, a chilled Sweet Lassi is the perfect match. Cool, creamy, and slightly sweet, it balances the spices and makes the whole experience even better.

Amritsari Kulcha with Chole (Chickpea Curry) 

Start with something truly special, like an Amritsari Kulcha. It’s the way to go. This golden, flaky, tandoor-baked bread is stuffed with spiced potatoes, onions, and herbs, then topped with butter for that extra indulgence. But the real magic happens when you pair it with Chole, a bold, tangy chickpea curry that is packed with flavor. And to make it even better? A Mango Lassi. The thick, creamy sweetness of the lassi balances the spice and makes every bite even more satisfying.

Sarson Da Saag with Makki Di Roti 

Few dishes scream Punjabi tradition like Sarson Da Saag with Makki Di Roti. This wholesome dish is made with slow-cooked mustard greens, blended with spices and a generous dollop of butter, giving it a deep, earthy richness. It is best enjoyed with Makki Di Roti, a rustic cornmeal flatbread that is slightly crisp on the outside and soft inside. Since this meal is heavy and packed with bold flavors, a glass of Chaas (Buttermilk) is the perfect way to keep things light and refreshing.

Tandoori Chicken with Roomali Roti 

If you love smoky, grilled flavors, Tandoori Chicken is a must-try at punjabi Restaurant in Calgary NE. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then roasted in a tandoor until charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Instead of pairing it with something heavy, go for Roomali Roti, a thin, soft bread that lets the chicken shine. And to keep things refreshing? A glass of Nimbu Pani. The tangy, slightly salty lemonade cuts through the smokiness, making every bite taste fresh and flavorful.

Paneer Tikka with Mint Chutney and Lachha Paratha 

If you think vegetarian dishes can’t be exciting, Paneer Tikka will change your mind. Thick cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in spiced yogurt, grilled to perfection, and slightly charred for that smoky goodness. A side of Mint Chutney adds a cool, herby contrast, while Lachha Paratha, a flaky, layered flatbread, makes the meal feel extra indulgent. And to top it off? A cup of Masala Chai. The strong, spiced tea enhances the warmth of the dish, making every sip and bite feel like pure comfort.

Dal Makhani with Jeera Rice and Butter Naan 

There is something special about a dish that gets better the longer it cooks, and Dal Makhani is the perfect example. The black lentils are slow-cooked for hours until they turn rich, creamy, and full of deep, smoky flavors. A generous amount of butter and cream adds to its silky texture, making every bite comforting. It pairs wonderfully with fragrant jeera rice, where the subtle flavor of cumin enhances the dish even further. Butter naan is the ultimate addition, soft and fluffy with just the right amount of richness. Since the meal is heavy, a chilled glass of salted lassi helps keep things light, refreshing the palate so you can enjoy every spoonful.

Chole Bhature with Pickles and Onions 

Chole Bhature is not just food. It is a complete Punjabi experience. The bhature arrive fresh from the fryer, crisp on the outside and pillowy soft inside, with the perfect golden color that makes them impossible to resist. The chole, a spicy chickpea curry, is bold and full of deep, tangy flavors that pair beautifully with the slight sweetness of the bread. Pickled onions and green chilies on the side add an extra layer of flavor, giving every bite a balance of heat and crunch. With a meal this indulgent, nothing complements it better than a sweet lassi. The thick, creamy drink cools down the spices and rounds out the flavors, making sure every bite is as enjoyable as the first.

Mutton Rogan Josh with Tandoori Roti 

Mutton Rogan Josh is the kind of dish that grabs your attention the moment it reaches your table. The rich red gravy, infused with Kashmiri chilies and aromatic spices, coats the slow-cooked, tender mutton, making it fall-apart soft and incredibly flavorful. Every bite is packed with layers of spice, warmth, and depth. The best way to enjoy it is with a tandoori roti, which has just the right amount of chew and slight crispiness to soak up the rich curry. Since the dish is bold and intense, a glass of jeera soda is the perfect drink to balance it out. The light fizz and subtle cumin spice cleanse the palate, making sure the meal stays exciting until the last bite.

Rajma Chawal (Red Kidney Bean Curry with Rice and Ghee) 

Some dishes are all about nostalgia and comfort, and rajma chawal is one of them. This simple yet flavorful combination of kidney beans cooked in a thick, spiced tomato gravy and served over steaming basmati rice is home-cooked Punjabi food at its best. The creaminess of the beans, the warmth of the spices, and the aroma of ghee drizzled on top create a meal that feels familiar and satisfying. A mango lassi on the side takes things to another level, adding a cool, fruity sweetness that enhances the dish’s rich flavors without overpowering them. If you are looking for something hearty yet wholesome, this is the perfect choice.

Amritsari Fish Fry with Mint Chutney

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, Amritsari fish fry from the best punjabi Restaurant in Calgary NE is a dish that keeps you coming back for more. The fish is coated in a light yet flavorful batter made with gram flour and a blend of Punjabi spices before being fried to golden perfection. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a zesty brightness, while a dip in cool, refreshing mint chutney gives a burst of fresh herbs that balances the heat. Since fried food can feel heavy, a glass of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice makes the perfect pairing. Naturally sweet and incredibly refreshing, it helps keep the flavors light and the meal satisfying.

Let’s Get Started

Now that you know what to order, it is time to dive into the bold, vibrant, and downright irresistible world of Punjabi food. 

Whether you are in the mood for something rich and creamy, smoky and tandoor-grilled, or crispy and golden-fried, there is a dish that will hit the spot. And make sure you pair them with the perfect drink.

If you are in Calgary and craving authentic Punjabi flavors, come to Bombay Meat Masala and let us serve you a taste of Punjab that will keep you coming back for more!