When you live in a place for a long time, you get quite familiar with places in and around. I have lived in the Chandigarh Tricity at 2 different times and locations.
Oh, just in case you didn’t know, the Chandigarh Tricity consists of Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali.
Now back to my two different times. First was when I was staying with my parents during my high school and college days for 6 years. Post that, I came back to Chandigarh due to my job posting. This time, I was staying alone as my parents moved back to our hometown in West Bengal. I already have a post dedicated to my list of the best foods to try from Kolkata.
In all those times, I have been to several restaurants and lounges. Few were so exceptionally good that every time someone comes to me and suggests having dinner, I go back to those few places.
Here, listing down a few that I have been to myself and would also recommend you try out if you are visiting Chandigarh. Oh, and this is in sequence with my favoritism.
1. Hops n Grains
Address: SCO 358, Sector 9, Panchkula
This is always on top of my mind whenever I feel the need to eat out. Even though this place is more famous for its fresh beer, but the food is not to be underestimated. My all-time favorite here is the Corn Salt & Pepper and Cheese Garlic Bread. And if you are more drawn to meat, then definitely try Chilli Garlic Fish. Oh, my mouth just literally watered.
2. FourFolks
Address: SCO 487/488, Sector 35C, Chandigarh
A recent addition to my list but can definitely top all others. I still cannot forget the taste of their Mushroom-Cheese Croquettes. I am usually not a mushroom loving person, but this was a total exception for me. Also, try their Mango Jalapeno drink. A very unique taste to try.
3. Sector 15 Chinese market
Address: Just as the name suggests. It’s in Sector 15, Chandigarh.
Okay. So, this is not something that you might find on google if you search for places to eat in Chandigarh. But this market has lots of vendors selling Indo-Chinese food. And they are all just packed in a small area. Hygiene might not be of top quality, but the food is to die for. They have very limited options. Choose any type of momos, thukpa, and noodles, and you will not regret it. Best place for a to enjoy the taste of Indo-Chinese food at a very low price.
4. Bistro 1427
Address: Mansa Devi Complex, DSS 96, Sector 5, Panchkula
A very chic café cum lounge. The décor itself somehow attracts a lot of people here. Since this was pretty close to my office, I have been here several times. My best dishes till now that I have tried here are the spinach cheese cigars and lasagne. I am a total cheese lover, so any dish with loads of it is definitely on my order.
5. Sethi Dhaba
Address: Ambala – Chandigarh Highway, Near Peer Baba Jamoywalla, Dera Bassi, Zirakpur
This is a bit out of the Chandigarh Tricity, but one of my favorites during my stay in Chandigarh. So had to mention this. This is a typical Dhaba on the highway where you can enjoy North Indian dishes. Earlier I thought this Dhaba was just hyped because of many artists coming here. But once I visited and had a taste of their food, it has become one of my all-time favorites. The most loved dish here is dal makhana with tandoori roti and lassi. And also my meal every time I visit.
6. The Last Course
Address: SCO 322, Sector 9, Panchkula
The perfect place for anyone who has a knack for waffles and waffle sundaes. Even though this place also has a menu for savory dishes, but it is famous for its waffles. You can customize your waffle from scratch. And that’s the reason it takes more time than usual for the food to arrive. The service is slow here but the food is worth waiting for.
7. The Hedgehog Café
Address: Inner Market, SCF 12, Sector 7-C, Chandigarh
A friend of mine suggested me to try this place and he even mentioned the exact order that I should place. And let me tell you, it was a show stopper for me. I had “The don corn”. It is a starter dish that has a cheesy corn and tomato dip served with a variety of slices of bread. I finished it all by myself. It was so damn good. Apart from the food, this café has a huge wall stacked with a wide range of books. And a special corner for kids with all coloring supplies. Pretty cool. Right?
8. Gopal Sweets
Address: SCO 20-21, Madhya Marg, Sector 8C, Chandigarh
This is a confectionary shop with also seating arrangements available. Of course, you will find a huge range of sweets to choose from. Definitely try moti choor laddu. But apart from that, you can also enjoy a range of fast food as well as a proper meal. My go-to order here is chole bhature, aloo tikki, and pav bhaji. Oh, and just a heads up, it’s a vegetarian-only restaurant.
9. Falcon Café Lounge
Address: SCO 05, Hotel Pallavi West, Sector-16, Panchkula
As the name suggests, this is a café cum lounge. A bit on the pricey end, but good food. If I were to suggest a few dishes from here, I would definitely ask you to get the paneer malai tikka. It really is quite malai (cream) like. So soft. Apart from this, since I am a fan of cheese, I tried their cheese garlic bread, and it was soooooooo cheesy.
10. Captain Sam’s
Address: SCO 24, 25, Madhya Marg, Sector 9, Chandigarh
Are you a pizza lover? If yes, then your search ends here. This place offers unlimited bread and pizza at a fixed price. This also includes soup, an assortment of more than 20 salads, and a dessert. The best part is that bread and pizza are always hot and fresh. You can also opt for an a la carte here. But frankly, I have never tried any dish from the menu. I am all for the all you can eat places.
11. Indian Coffee House
Address: Sector 36 Market Rd, 36C, Chandigarh
The only place that I can recommend to anyone and everyone for the best South Indian food is this. One of the oldest cafes offering authentic food. And the pricing here is so cheap. If you are on a tight budget, this is your go-to place. I have been coming back to this place for a long time since my college days.
12. Boathouse
Address: Elante Mall, Industrial Area Phase I, Chandigarh
The theme of this restaurant is, well, a boathouse. The décor here all bluish in color and filled with props such as mast, rubber tubes, and boats. It is one of the few places where you can find Japanese and Korean dishes too. It is quite on the pricey end but the food quality is good.
Now, don’t just take my word as all this is based on my personal experience. There definitely will be someone who might have a differing view.
I am pretty sure there might be some more other places that are worth mentioning here. Will keep updating based on my visits.
Are there any places that you feel are worth adding to this list?
My mouth is watering after reading this! 🙂 Great collection of places to dine.
Hahaha. I can totally relate. Even that was the same scenario for me while I was writing this post 😛
These all sound wonderful! Maybe it’s because I need to get some breakfast…Your photos are enticing too.
Thank you so much. I miss going back to these places. Hope to explore more and bring many more to this list.
These all look and sound delicious! Thanks for sharing.
These look like some really good spots! Whenever traveling feels “safe” again I want to try one of these places.
Me too. I can’t wait to travel again and find more wonderful places to eat. 🙂
A wonderful selection of flavours. I think This would be great experience to complete this list and visit each location.
Thank Blair. Now that you mention it, it actually would be an adventure to visit all locations and try their signature dishes. 😉
Everything seems so delish! Hopefully I’ll travel there one day and get to try some things out.
Thanks, Shana. Even I hope I get to travel soon again and add more to this list.