Wine & Dine

Chandigarh’s locals love to eat and drink well. Tuck into the specialities of the city at these popular eateries.

Local Flavours

An institution unto itself, 7 Pal Dhaba ( paldhabachandigarh. com) is the place to eat hearty Punjabi fare. Located in Sector 28 and offering no-frills indoor and outdoor seating, this restaurant is frequented by locals, tourists, and celebrities.

The food won’t burn a hole in your pocket but will create a place in your heart. Make sure to try their famed butter chicken, mutton rahra (a spicy curry), butter naan, and lassi.

Sweet Delights

Run by a professional baker from Australia, 8 Nik Baker’s ( nikbakers.com) has multiple outlets across the city. This European-style, bakery-cumcafé has been the choice of locals for catch-ups over delicious brews and bakes. Must-try items on the menu include pancakes, blueberry cheesecake, artisanal breads, breakfast sandwiches, and quiches. 9 Monica’s ( monicas.in) is a quaint bakery with many branches in the tri-city area. The cakes, patisserie, cookies, breads, and sandwiches whipped up by Monica, the owner of the brand, are relished by one and all. It’s not only the perfect venue for a romantic date or a girly outing with friends, but the gorgeous décor also makes it a cool Instagram-worthy spot.

Café Stories

The 10 Indian Coffee House is an unmissable spot in Sector 17 market. A popular hangout for locals, hitchhikers, and anyone who enjoys good conversation, it is economical fast food at its finest. Visit just to try their menu or stop by after a shopping trip at the sector’s plaza: either way, it’s a treat! Savour piping hot coffee along with dosas, idlis, uttappams and vada pavs. This place really provides that old-world charm in a rapidly changing Chandigarh.

Beer Stops

11 The Brew Estate ( brewestate.in) is testament to Chandigarh’s love for beer and breweries. Sip a variety of craft beers in an upscale ambience with indoor and outdoor seating at the brewery’s many locations in the area. It is also a popular restaurant, given its delicious multi-cuisine offerings. Don’t miss out on the dark lager Red Ale, full-bodied malty Premium Lager, and wheatbased Bavarian Weiss.

Clockwise from left: Selection of traditional Punjabi fare at Pal Dhaba; a colourful appetising accompaniment to the beverages at The Brew Estate; chocolate-covered, cream-puff rolls tempt at Monica’s; one of the many delightful cakes on offer at Nik Baker’s.