If you’ve been around Delhi, have you also been to Ambala? Apparently it’s a thing. Dilliwalas making their way to and from hill stations around the capital, make detours for the only-in-Ambala local nosh. We have this on good authority from a local. Our newest enthuIntern, Aastha Gupta has planned a worthy guide about what’s good to eat in Ambala for our readers.
Did we say we had no plans to visit Ambala recently? Well that’s changed.
Eat like a Dilliwala in Ambala
A city where, when we’re eating the first meal of the day, we’re already planning our next meal – that’s my hometown Ambala.
We’re merely three hours from Delhi, so Dilliwalas drop into my city during road trips to hill stations around the capital, to stuff their faces at Garg Puri Wale. Or when they come for a full-fledged shaadi shopping session, they seek respite in the scorching heat in Jain Soda Water’s milk badam, and Bihari Paan Wale’s fruit beer.
Us Ambala-ites also direct them to local late-evening favourites: the dangling seekhs at Mohan Murge Wala’s, and Anil Ji’s crisp gol gappe in multiple flavours. Ambala’s street food is the taste of my city, and it also has something for every palate.
1. Bihari Paan Wala (also known as Lovely)
With its legacy of street food in Ambala, Lovely’s most popular Mushroom Duplex is noteworthy. In it, button mushrooms stuffed with spinach and cheese, coated with a thick batter (of corn starch, maida, salt and water), deep fried, halved, and then served hot with fresh pudina chutney, ketchup, and a mayo coleslaw – a combination that is absolutely scrumptious. When you drop by, also try their fruit beer. The bubbles in this soda are a metaphorical reminder of love that Sunnyji (the owner) claims he infuses in the drink. He says, “Isme pyaar hai, it pulls people towards the drink again and again”. Another must-try is their nutty and fruity-rich mango shake.
Address: Sudagar Bazar, Sardar Bazar, Ambala Cantonment. Phone: +91 9996681999.
Timings: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
2. Garg Puri Wale
A 45-year old Sunday breakfast staple of many households in Ambala, the spicy and satisfying ‘pitthi wali puri’ comprises udad dal-filled puris with four sabzis: chhole, sukhe aloo, geele aloo, and kaddu. It’s worthwhile to make a day trip to Ambala for Garg’s fried, piping hot, crisp-on-the-outside, stuffed-on-the-inside puris, as well as for their out-of the-world khasta kachoris. What makes them so special is the coarsely muddled, roasted daal filling that’s been sautéed with tangy hing, and black pepper kernels. Additionally, the khasta is served with both aloo and chhole.
People passing by Ambala usually time their journeys to include a stop for a hearty breakfast or brunch here.
Address: Jagadhari Road, Palledar Mohala, Ambala Cantt. Phone: +91 9466111111.
Timings: Daily, from 7 a.m., until supplies last (around 1 p.m.).
3. Jain Soda Water (since 1940)
Located in the heart of Ambala’s busiest market, Sardar Bazar, JSW is popular for its milk badam, and pineapple and mango ice-creams all year round. After a tiring shopping session, people stop by for a refreshing, thirst-quenching round of milk badam at this destination, a favourite of many locals. JSW’s longevity is a proof that generations have enjoyed their summers with this drink, and safe to say, it hasn’t changed one bit. Full-fat flavoured milk loaded with sliced almonds is served in JSW’s old-fashioned cute glass bottles.
Address: Sardar Bazar, Ambala Cantt. Phone: +91 9896171141.
Timings: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
4. Swadisht Kadhi Chawal
Swadisht’s name does full justice to the kadhi chawal they serve: pakodis soaked in the brightest yellow kadhi, with a tadka of their special masala, red chilli powder and sliced onions in butter, poured over and piled on a bed of rice. The pakodis melt in the mouth with a burst of flavours in a kadhi that is appropriately sour. The owner Ashok Kumar has been proudly making his version of kadhi chawal for 47 years. He started out with a ‘redhi’ (cart) in 1976, and upgraded to a shop in 1999. Impressively, he takes no days off.
Also worth trying here is Swadisht’s rajma chawal, made with the same care.
Address: Kabaadi Bazar Chowk, Sardar Bazar, Ambala Cantt. Phone: +91 9466688811.
Timings: Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Anil Ji’s
Anil Ji’s has Ambala’s heart when it comes to gol gappe, chaat, and tikki. Here, they serve gol gappe with seven varieties of flavoured water: hing, jeera, kewda, guava, kali mirch, pudina, and dahi bhalla ki meethi chutney. Even chef Sanjeev Kapoor is a fan, he had Anil Ji’s supply gol gappe for his daughter’s wedding. People travel miles for Anil Ji’s wares, often having them parceled for their relatives as well.
Address: Jaggi City Centre, Ambala. Phone: +91 9053999977.
Timings: Weekdays, noon to 10.30 p.m.; Weekends, noon to 11 p.m.
6. Mohan Murge Wala
Chicken lovers unite! Mohan’s tikkas and kebabs have been with Ambala residents for years, through all our moments of success and celebration. Ambala-ites love the meltingly tender chicken malai tikkas here, as well as the kheema hot dogs for a piquant, fiery evening snack. The mere sight of all manner of chicken cuts roasting on Mohan’s tandoor makes a most appetizing visual. Flavour-packed, spiced, marinated, tandoor-cooked chicken is what Ambala’s dreams are made of.
Address: Shop no. 11 and 12, Jagadhri Road, Ambala Cantt. Phone: +91 9996130396.
Timings: Wednesday to Monday, 11.30 a.m. to midnight.
