Pure Punjabi
Pure Punjabi Christmas Dinner
Pure Punjabi Christmas Dinner
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Pure Punjabi Christmas Dinner
Saturday 6th December, 7pm
14 Farm Street, Tintinhull, BA22 8PZ
A culinary tour of the regions of Punjab
The menu celebrates Punjab - in its pre-partition entirety - with 10 dishes over 4 courses, with each dish coming from different cities, celebrating its rich culinary history, as well as the individual flavours/specialities of each city.
The cities of focus are:
Rawalpindi, Ambala, Lahore, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Multan, Chandigarh.
Menu
Canapés:
Stuffed Dates with Spiced Nuts (Multan)
Lush, caramel-sweet dates filled with warm, fragrant nuts for a decadent Multani bite.
Tandoori Baby Corn & Bell Pepper Skewers (Chandigarh)
Charred and smoky garden-fresh skewers bursting with bold Chandigarh-style spices.
Starters:
Paneer Pakora Skewers (Rawalpindi)
Crisp, golden paneer fritters wrapped in Rawalpindi’s beloved street-style flavours.
Mango & Mint Chaat (Multan)
A bright, tangy, refreshing chaat where juicy mango meets cool mint in true Multani fashion.
Tandoori Prawns (Lahore)
Succulent prawns grilled to perfection with Lahore’s iconic tandoori heat and depth.
Mains:
Malai Kofta (Ambala)
Soft, velvety kofta in a luxurious cream sauce inspired by Ambala’s gentle, comforting flavours.
Bhindi Masala (Lahore)
Tender okra tossed in a rich, aromatic masala capturing Lahore’s hearty culinary spirit
Dhal Makhani (Jalandhar)
Slow-cooked black lentils simmered into Jalandhar’s famous buttery, soul-warming dha
Amritsari Fish (Amritsar)
Crisp, spiced fish fritters celebrating Amritsar’s legendary street-food tradition.
Dessert:
Ras Malai (Ambala)
Soft dumplings soaked in sweet, cardamom-kissed cream for a dreamy Ambala-style finale.
Rawalpindi, Ambala, Lahore, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Multan, Chandigarh.
Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi, located at the foot of the Margalla Hills in present-day Pakistan, has long been a military and trade hub. Its name is believed to derive from “Rau” (a local clan) and “Pindi” (settlement), highlighting its origins as a fortified town. Today, it serves as a commercial and military centre, adjacent to Islamabad. The city has a diverse population, including Punjabis, Pashtuns, and Kashmiri migrants, whose influences are visible in the food and architecture. Rawalpindi’s streets are lined with spice markets and bazaars selling traditional garments and handicrafts. Key landmarks include the Rawalpindi Railway Station, Raja Bazaar, and ancient temples and mosques. Its cuisine is hearty, emphasising slow-cooked meat dishes, kebabs, and rich lentils, reflecting the region’s northern Punjabi and Afghan culinary influences.
Ambala
Ambala, in Haryana, India, derives its name from “Amb” (mango) and “Bala” (place), suggesting a location abundant with mango trees. Historically a major cantonment under the British, it remains an important military center. Ambala has a cosmopolitan population, including Punjabis of all groups: Haryanvis, and Sikhs, contributing to its diverse food culture. The city is famous for its wholesale markets, especially for textiles, scientific instruments, and instruments for musical and industrial use. Ambala’s cuisine includes street snacks, tikkis, paneer-based dishes, and a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare, reflecting both local produce and culinary exchanges from northern Punjab. Landmarks include the Ambala Cantonment, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the historic Clock Tower.
Lahore
Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, is believed to be named after “Lav,” the son of the deity Rama, according to legend. The city has been a capital for Mughal emperors and later a major centre of Sikh rule. Lahore’s population is predominantly Punjabi, with a significant historical influence of Kashmiri and Pathan communities. Known as the “City of Gardens,” it is home to Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and the Walled City. Its vibrant culture is expressed through festivals, music, and especially food. Famous dishes include Nihari, Lahori Karahi, street chaat, and rich sweets like jalebi and phirni, reflecting centuries of culinary fusion influenced by Mughal, Sikh, and colonial traditions.
Amritsar
Amritsar, founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, is derived from “Amrit Sarovar,” meaning “Pool of Nectar,” which surrounds the Golden Temple, the city’s spiritual heart. The population is predominantly Sikh, with Hindu and Punjabi Muslim communities contributing historically to trade and crafts. Amritsar grew as a centre for textiles, embroidery, and handicrafts, alongside religious tourism. The city’s landmarks include the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and the historic Wagah Border. Its culinary heritage is famous for buttery, richly spiced dishes, street foods like Amritsari kulcha and pakoras, and desserts such as phirni and pinnis, reflecting both rural Punjab traditions and the influence of Sikh kitchens.
Jalandhar
Jalandhar, one of the oldest cities in Punjab, is thought to be named after “Jalendra,” a mythological ruler, or derived from “Jalandhar,” meaning “area of water” in Sanskrit. The city has historically been a hub for trade, sports goods manufacturing, and artisan crafts. Its population includes Sikhs, Hindus, and a small Christian community, each influencing the city’s festivals, crafts, and cuisine. Key landmarks include Devi Talab Mandir, Imam Nasir Mosque, and modern sports complexes. Culinary traditions include tandoori dishes, malai tikka, dhal makhani, and regional sweets like peda and imarti, reflecting a blend of Mughal and local Punjabi cooking styles.
Multan
Multan, in southern Punjab, Pakistan, is known as the “City of Saints” due to its many Sufi shrines. Its name is thought to derive from “Mulasthan,” meaning “place of the sun” or “ancient settlement.” The city has historically been a trade hub connecting Central Asia, Afghanistan, and India, fostering a population that includes Punjabis, Balochis, and descendants of Afghan migrants. Multan is famous for mangoes, sohan halwa, and handicrafts including ceramics and embroidery. Landmarks include the shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya, and the Multan Fort. Multani cuisine is characterized by rich kebabs, saffron-infused pulaos, mango-based dishes, and sweet confections, influenced by Persian and Afghan culinary traditions.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh, India’s first planned city post-independence (1950s), was designed by architect Le Corbusier. Its name means “Chandi’s Fort,” referring to the goddess Chandi, reflecting the region’s historical spiritual traditions. The city serves as the capital of Punjab and Haryana and is known for its modernist architecture, wide boulevards, and gardens such as the Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake. Chandigarh has a mixed Punjabi population, alongside civil servants, educators, and professionals from across India, which influences its cosmopolitan culture. Its cuisine blends traditional Punjabi flavours with lighter, contemporary preparations, including seasonal vegetables, paneer dishes, tandoori specialties, and inventive desserts.
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