Not just a restaurant, Puran Singh Ka Dhaba is a renowned culinary destination situated on Ambala’s historic Grand Trunk Road. Foodies, truck drivers, tourists, and even celebrities have been enjoying the delicious North Indian cuisine served at this modest restaurant for decades.
The dhaba has gained a cult following throughout India thanks to its genuine Punjabi-style non-vegetarian curries, particularly those made with chicken and mutton. A visit to Puran Singh Ka Dhaba is more than just a meal if you’re traveling through Ambala or learning about North Indian cuisine.
Legacy and History The Beginnings
Around the time of India’s independence, in the 1940s, the first Puran Singh Ka Dhaba was established. The dhaba, which bears the name of its founder Puran Singh, gained immediate notoriety for its hearty, slow-cooked meat dishes prepared using traditional Punjabi cooking methods and hand-ground spices.
The dhaba, which is close to the Ambala Cantt railway station, quickly developed into a rest stop for soldiers, tourists, and transport drivers going from Delhi to Punjab.
⭐ The Legend Continues
The name “Puran Singh Ka Dhaba” is still connected to tradition, taste, and consistency. Only one dhaba still upholds the authentic legacy of the original recipes and cooking methods, despite numerous others attempting to use the same name.
Why Puran Singh Ka Dhaba Is Unique Traditional copper pots are used to slow-cook authentic Punjabi flavors.
DIY spice blends
No shortcuts or artificial flavors
Specialty oil-based gravies with richness and depth
You can taste authentic Punjabi comfort food in each dish, which is bursting with flavor, aroma, and history.
Signature Recipes
Puran Singh Ka Dhaba’s must-try dishes include:
1. Perfectly cooked, spicy, and rich mutton curry
served over rice or hot tandoori rotis.
The dhaba’s signature dish that brought it fame
2. Desi ghee and onions are used to make a thick gravy for chicken curry.
Chicken that melts in your mouth, flavorful and tender
3. Kaleji Keema
A local favorite
Liver and spices are cooked with ground mutton.
4. Rajma and Dal Makhani
The dal and rajma here are the best for vegetarians.
5. Naan & Tandoori Roti
made in a clay oven fresh
The ideal accompaniment to the hearty gravies
Conventional Cooking Technique
Puran Singh’s recipes still use traditional methods, in contrast to contemporary commercial kitchens:
Hand-sliced garlic and onions
For cooking, use mustard oil or Desi ghee.
Clay ovens and iron kadhais
cooked using conventional stoves or a wood fire.
Each dish’s rustic, homey charm comes from this attention to detail.
Experience and Ambience
The dhaba’s straightforward design honors its traditional origins:
Simple steel thalis and wooden tables
Tandoor and kadhais visible in an open kitchen
lively ambiance filled with the scent of spices
Fast service and substantial servings
It’s about serving proudly prepared, honest food, not luxury.
Where to Find the Actual Puran Singh Ka Dhaba and How to Get There
Be advised that there are numerous imitation dhabas in the Ambala area that use the same name.
The location of the original one is:
Near the Cantt Railway Station in Ambala
In proximity to NH-44 and GT Road
Right next to the main bus stop
Any local or experienced tourist will be able to direct you to the genuine outlet.
Who Eats Here?
Frequent Clients Long-distance truck drivers are among them.
Officers and soldiers in the Indian Army
Visitors going to Delhi, Punjab, or Himachal
Food vloggers and celebrities
Local foodies
People from all walks of life are mixed together in the crowd because they all enjoy delicious food.
Client Testimonials and Narratives
For the past 25 years, I have been dining here. The flavor has remained constant.
— Rajinder Singh, Veteran of the Army
“A YouTube food vlogger suggested this place to me. The mutton curry is worth the hype, I promise!
— Delhi Food Blogger Neha Verma
When my father was in the army, he would eat here. I’m bringing my son now. It’s a memory rather than just food.
— Chandigarh resident Sukhwinder Gill
Advice for Traveling
To avoid lengthy lines, arrive early for lunch or dinner.
Card use may be restricted; cash or UPI payments are accepted.
Come for the food, not the décor, and don’t expect luxury.
For a more sedate experience, try going during the week.
Try the dal fry or rajma chawal if you’re a vegetarian.
Food Culture and Its Impact
Puran Singh Ka Dhaba has inspired chefs, foodies, and vloggers, as well as hundreds of local restaurants. It is a cornerstone of North Indian cuisine and is frequently contrasted with other well-known dhaba chains in Punjab and Haryana.
The essence of the original “Puran Singh” restaurant lies in its simplicity and tradition, despite the fact that many new eateries attempt to imitate it.
Questions and Answers (FAQs) ❓ 1. Is the food at Puran Singh Ka Dhaba vegetarian or not?
A1. Although its non-vegetarian Punjabi dishes are its main draw, vegetarian options like rajma and dal makhani are also offered.
❓ Q2. What is the average cost of a meal?
A2. Depending on your order, a full meal for one person costs between ₹200 and ₹300.
❓ Q3. Is the location suitable for families?
A3. Indeed. Families can eat there safely and cleanly despite the simple setting.
❓ Question 4: Are there several branches?
A4. The original dhaba, which is situated close to the Ambala Cantt railway station, is the only one in the area that uses the name.
❓ Q5. Do they deliver to homes?
A5. Although it usually only serves dine-in, some nearby food delivery services might provide takeout.
In conclusion
More than just a dining establishment, Puran Singh Ka Dhaba Ambala is a representation of Punjab’s wholesome culinary culture. Generations of foodies have been drawn to it because of its enduring quality, distinctive flavors, and rich history.
Visit this renowned location if you’re ever in Ambala and yearn for real, fiery, and unforgettable Punjabi cuisine. You’ll be a part of a culinary tradition that has endured for more than 70 years, not just enjoy a meal.
