Enjoy a taste of Ludhiana

The Guide dropped in at Chawla's, a popular Ludhiana-based eatery that is now in the city, and all set to wow the janata with their yummy cuisine

Chawla's
Food: Delicious
Service: Attentive
Ambience: Average

Our visit to Chawla's was courtesy the interesting signboard posted on the bustling Station Road, which says Chawla's -- Ludhiana's hot favourite. Amid visions of delectable Punjabi khana, we made our way to the two-storeyed restaurant.


Afgani Chicken at Chawla's. Pics/ Nikhil Ghorpade


Chawla's Restaurant at Pune Railway Station
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Chawla's was started back in 1960 in Ludhiana and now enjoys massive popularity over there. We visited the eatery for an early lunch and were warmly welcomed by the owners. It was relatively empty and hence easy to find a place for two. As the aroma of Chicken Curry wafted in, we couldn't wait to get started.

The menu included Indian and Chinese cuisine but since traditional dishes are their USP, we decided to stick to that.

If you are a frugal eater, you can rejoice as they offer full and half plate options for most of the starters and main courses.

The interiors have no fancy decorations except for a huge aquarium built at the entrance. The eatery is painted in off-white and brown. Wrought-iron chairs and tables are placed in a line.

After consulting the chef, we ordered the Afgani Chicken (Rs 110) for starters. It took some time for it to arrive but it was worth the wait. It was made from chicken marinated in cashewnut paste and cooked in a clay oven.

Though it tasted a tad sweet, it was nevertheless delicious. We were told that it was cooked in the oven with coriander leaves, which left us intrigued. It had a coating of a white sauce and was served with a sweet salad prepared with cabbage and carrots. The salad tasted a bit odd to us thanks to the overpowering taste of the coconut.

For the main course, we decided to savour the Cream of Paneer (Rs 100), Chicken Dhania Adraki (Rs 160-half plate) and Butter Naan (Rs 20). The Chicken Dhania Adraki had a perfect blend of Indian spices. The taste of the coriander was strong while the ginger had a subtle taste, which went well with the butter naan.

The Cream of Paneer turned out to be something we had never tasted before. It is one is Chawla's special dishes and is cooked in cream and crushed black pepper. The curry had an overpowering taste of black pepper and didn't go well with our tastebuds at all.

The attendants were attentive and informative but finding a parking spot was a pain for us, so you are forewarned. The attendants were attentive and informative but finding a parking spot was a pain for us, so you are forewarned.

All in all, we had a great time and loved the fact that we could tuck into something that is not run-of-the-mill Punjabi khana.

Open: 9 am to 11.30 pm
At: Dreamland Building, Shop 1 and 2, opposite Pune Railway Station, next to Shiv Kailash Dairy.
Call: 40065390