Serving as the vibrant, deeply spiritual breadbasket of India, the northern state of Punjab is defined by its immense agricultural wealth and unparalleled hospitality. When Parts Unknown arrived in 2014, the mission was to explore the profound generosity of the Sikh community and dive into the rich, dairy-heavy cuisine that powers this fiercely proud region. The culinary landscape here is incredibly hearty, relying heavily on massive clay tandoor ovens, copious amounts of ghee, and complex, slow-simmered curries. The exploration beautifully captured the staggering scale of communal feeding at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, providing a profound, moving backdrop to the entire journey. From finding absolute vegetarian perfection in a buttery kulcha at a legendary roadside dhaba, to finally embracing the fierce heat of authentic, charred tandoori chicken, the narrative is a celebration of profound, heavy flavors. It also thoughtfully examined the lingering, strange culinary ghosts of the British Empire in the cool mountain air of Shimla. Discover the essential, soul-satisfying spots that anchored this magnificent Indian adventure.
The great Anthony Bourdain left his mark everywhere he went. When his death was announced to the world in June 2018, media throughout the globe chimed in and listed all the great things he had done for their respective city, town, province, country. Whereas before, tourists would shy away from exotic foods, thanks to him, travellers now go the extra mile to find and try local bites. With this in mind, here are all the restaurants Bourdain visited and the dishes he tasted when he shot Anthony Bourdain Punjab, India for his show, Parts Unknown Season 3 Episode 2 (originally aired April 13, 2014):
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DISH – Kulcha
WHAT IS IT?
The iconic Punjabi kulcha is a mildly-leavened type of flatbread, slathered with butter and often served with chole (chickpea curry) on the side.
READ MORE: IF YOU THINK THAT THE BEST INDIAN DISHES ARE ALL THE SAME, THEN THINK AGAIN!
WHERE IS IT?
Kesar da Dhaba
Chowk Passian, near Telephone Exchange
Amritsar, Punjab, India
ANTHONY BOURDAIN PUNJAB NOTES
One can find dozens of dhabas or roadside restaurants in Punjab, but in this episode of Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain mentioned that Kesar da Dhaba is one of the best. Here, he surprisingly enjoyed the vegetarian fare.
DISH – Tandoori Chicken
WHAT IS IT?
This roasted chicken dish starts with marinating chicken in spices and yoghurt inside a cylindrical clay oven called “tandoor”.
WHERE IS IT?
Beera Chicken House
Shop – 100, Majitha Rd, opposite Bhandari hospital
Amritsar, Punjab, India
ANTHONY BOURDAIN PUNJAB NOTES
At Beera Chicken House, Anthony Bourdain finally had some meat during his trip to Punjab. Beera is one of the most famous restaurants in Punjab that serves chicken and other meat, including Keema Naan or naan with mutton balls.
DISH – Anglo-Indian Cuisine
WHAT IS IT?
The Anglo-Indian is a product of the British colonial rule in India. It introduced mulligatawny, kedgeree, pish pash, chutney and other Indian flavors to the English palate and dishes like eggs Florentine to the Indian taste.
WHERE IS IT?
Chapslee
Elysium Hill, Longwood Rd, Near, Lakkar Bazar
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
ANTHONY BOURDAIN PUNJAB NOTES
Chapslee was once a maharaja home in Shimla that has been turned into a hotel by the maharaja’s descendants. Here, Anthony Bourdain was treated to an Anglo-Indian menu of Eggs Florentine, Mulligatawny and Mutton Glace Chops.
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This deeply moving journey into Punjab stands out as one of the most spiritually resonant and respectful episodes he ever produced. In the broader scope of his work, it is historically significant for beautifully showcasing the radical, awe-inspiring hospitality of the Sikh religion, where the act of feeding the masses is considered the highest form of devotion. The episode perfectly highlighted his enduring belief that the greatest meals are those deeply connected to a community’s core values. The brilliant contrast between the intense, buttery street food of the dhabas and the fading, colonial elegance of the Anglo-Indian cuisine provided a masterful look at the region’s complex history. Step into the chaotic, vibrant streets, embrace the immense generosity of the people, and let the magnificent flavors of the north leave a lasting mark.
