Punjabi Dhaba Menu Overview
Located in Chicago's vibrant Little India on West Devon Avenue, Punjabi Dhaba serves up authentic North Indian cuisine celebrated for its bold flavors and traditional recipes. This unpretentious spot offers a delightful blend of classic Punjabi dishes, perfect for food lovers craving hearty, aromatic meals.
Starters to awaken your palate
Begin your culinary journey with a variety of flavorful appetizers that showcase Punjabi Dhaba's dedication to traditional spices and textures. Crispy samosas bursting with seasoned potatoes and peas provide a familiar favorite, while the shami kabab features tender ground lamb mixed with lentils and aromatic herbs. For those seeking a diverse tasting experience, the chef’s special Milajhula offers an enticing platter of samosa, pakora, shami kabab, kadak reshmi kabab, and papadum. Other tempting starters include crispy chicken pakora coated in spiced gram flour batter, vegetable pakora made with spinach, potatoes, and cauliflower, and the creamy-rich delicately spiced chicken soup to warm your senses.
- Samosa with vegetables, seasoned potatoes, and peas
- Shami Kabab combining ground lamb, lentils, herbs, and spices
- Milajhula chef special platter with samosa, pakora, shami kabab, kadak reshmi kabab, and papadum
- Chicken Pakora: tender chicken strips in spiced gram flour batter
- Vegetable Pakora featuring spinach, potatoes, and cauliflower
Main courses with authentic flair
Punjabi Dhaba’s mains span a generous array of vegetarian and meat dishes, each crafted to showcase the rich culinary heritage of North India. Vegetarian delights include the creamy Malai Kofta with cottage cheese and potato balls in a nutty, spiced sauce, Saag Paneer featuring fresh spinach and paneer cheese enveloped in a silky cream, and the richly spiced Dal Makhni made from slow-cooked lentils. For meat lovers, options range from the buttery, tangy Butter Chicken to the bold and spicy Chicken Vindallo and tender Lamb Saag simmered with spinach and cream. A standout is the Mixed Grill platter, an enticing assortment of tandoori chicken tikka, boti kabab, seekh kabab, fish tikka, and reshmi kabab, perfect for those wanting to sample a variety of robust flavors.
- Malai Kofta with cottage cheese, potato balls, nuts, and fruits
- Butter Chicken made with tandoori chicken, butter, tomato sauce, and spices
- Chicken Vindallo with chicken, onion, tomato, potatoes, and spices
- Mixed Grill featuring tandoori chicken tikka, boti kabab, seekh kabab, fish tikka, and reshmi kabab
Desserts to complete your meal
Treat yourself to traditional Indian sweets that provide a perfect balance of richness and sweetness. The Gulab Jamun, soft dough balls soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, and the mango-infused Kulfi, a creamy frozen dessert with succulent mango pulp and nuts, are crowd favorites. Other delights include the nutty Gajjar Halwa made from carrots and milk, the fragrant pistachio and saffron Pista Kulfi, and the comforting Kheer, a rice pudding garnished with almonds and pistachios.
- Gulab Jamun: dough balls in sugar syrup
- Mango Kulfi: creamy frozen mango dessert with nuts
- Gajjar Halwa with carrots, milk, sugar, and nuts
- Pista Kulfi infused with saffron, pistachio, and cardamom
- Kheer: creamy rice pudding with milk, sugar, pistachios, and almonds
Refreshing beverages to complement your meal
Punjabi Dhaba offers a variety of traditional beverages that perfectly balance the spice and richness of the dishes. Cool down with a classic lassi, a smooth yogurt drink infused with gentle spices, or savor the fruity sweetness of mango lassi and mango shake. For warm comfort, the aromatic Indian masala tea and freshly brewed coffee provide the perfect finish. Refreshing sodas and iced tea are also available for a light, fizzy option.
