Ask anyone who grew up in the tricity where the “real” food is, and they won’t point you to a five-star buffet — they’ll send you to a dhaba with plastic chairs and a queue out the door. Between Mohali’s dhaba strip and Chandigarh’s quieter fine-dining corners, the food scene here rewards people willing to go a little off the main markets. Here’s a properly researched round-up of the places locals actually keep going back to.
Quick answer: For classic Punjabi dhaba food, Bhena Da Dhaba and Pal Dhaba (Old) in Mohali/Chandigarh are longtime favourites. For a more polished night out, Dastaan, FALCON Dine & Lounge, and Chugli in Panchkula offer a step up in ambience without losing the food quality.
By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life · Details verified via Google Maps, July 2026
Table of Contents
Classic Dhabas
Bhena Da Dhaba, Mohali
One of the most-reviewed dhabas in the entire tricity — a no-frills, high-volume favourite for classic North Indian dhaba fare.
- Rating: 3.7★ (6,203 reviews) · Location: Mohali
Pal Dhaba (Old)
A long-running Chandigarh institution known for its non-veg spread — mutton and chicken dishes that regulars swear by.
- Rating: 3.9★ (3,253 reviews) · Location: Chandigarh
Garam Dharam, Mohali
A Mohali favourite for hearty, unfussy Punjabi meals — the kind of place where portion size matters as much as flavour.
- Rating: 3.9★ (2,753 reviews) · Location: Mohali
Gurbax Dhaba, Chandigarh
A well-established Chandigarh dhaba with a loyal following for its classic thali-style offerings.
- Rating: 4.0★ (2,350 reviews) · Location: Chandigarh
Bittu Da Dhaba, Mohali
Another strong Mohali contender in the dhaba space, known for consistency across a large regular customer base.
- Rating: 4.0★ (2,186 reviews) · Location: Mohali
A-One Vaishno Punjabi Dhaba, Panchkula
A pure-vegetarian dhaba in Panchkula that’s built a solid reputation of its own on the Haryana side of the tricity.
- Rating: 4.0★ (1,613 reviews) · Location: Panchkula
Restaurants & Lounges
Dastaan
A well-reviewed, more contemporary dining option in Chandigarh, offering a step up in setting and presentation from the dhaba scene.
- Rating: 4.4★ (3,364 reviews) · Location: Chandigarh
FALCON Dine & Lounge, Zirakpur
A popular dine-and-lounge spot for a more relaxed evening out, with a strong reputation among the Zirakpur/Panchkula crowd.
- Rating: 4.4★ (2,423 reviews) · Location: Zirakpur
Chugli, Panchkula
A well-liked Panchkula restaurant known for its inviting atmosphere alongside solid food.
- Rating: 4.5★ (1,522 reviews) · Location: Panchkula
LÀSKA Kitchen & Bar
A contemporary kitchen-and-bar concept offering a different flavour profile from the classic Punjabi dhaba scene.
- Rating: 4.2★ (1,489 reviews)
Bisaat — Cuisines & Culture Curated, Panchkula
A thoughtfully curated dining concept in Panchkula, positioned a notch above typical casual dining.
- Rating: 4.6★ (1,214 reviews) · Location: Panchkula
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dhaba in the tricity?
Bhena Da Dhaba in Mohali has the highest review count of any dhaba in the region, at over 6,200 reviews.
Where can I find good vegetarian dhaba food in Panchkula?
A-One Vaishno Punjabi Dhaba is a well-reviewed, purely vegetarian option on the Panchkula side.
What’s a good option for a nicer night out beyond dhaba-style dining?
Dastaan, FALCON Dine & Lounge, and Bisaat all offer a more polished dining experience while staying rooted in the region’s food culture.
Is Pal Dhaba the same as Old Pal Dhaba?
There are a couple of similarly named Pal Dhaba outlets across the tricity — worth double-checking the exact branch/location when you’re heading there, since naming can overlap.
