Signature Punjabi Dishes You Must Try (From Tandoori to Curries)
Punjabi Sunrise • August 8, 2025

Signature Punjabi Dishes You Must Try (From Tandoori to Curries)

Craving bold, comforting flavours that reflect the richness of North Indian cuisine? Punjabi food is known for its hearty curries, smoky tandoori flavours, and vibrant vegetarian dishes that make every meal feel like a celebration. Whether you're new to the cuisine or already a fan, there’s always something new to discover.


In this blog, we’ll take you through signature Punjabi dishes that are must-tries—especially when dining at Punjabi Sunrise Indian Restaurant, a local destination for authentic Indian food in Brisbane. From slow-cooked curries to fresh-from-the-tandoor delicacies, these dishes are favourites for good reason.

What Makes Punjabi Cuisine Unique?

Punjab, located in Northern India, is famous for its robust, flavour-rich cooking. Meals often feature generous use of ghee, butter, cream, and a combination of whole and ground spices. Slow-cooking techniques, charcoal-fired tandoors, and time-honoured recipes all contribute to meals that are both comforting and layered with flavour.


Punjabi food reflects a strong culture of hospitality—dishes are designed to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered. Whether you're vegetarian or a meat lover, you'll find that Punjabi cuisine caters to a wide range of preferences without compromising on taste.

Tandoori Chicken: A Signature Starter

A list of must-try Indian food in Brisbane wouldn’t be complete without Tandoori Chicken. This dish showcases everything great about Punjabi-style grilling—bold marinade, smoky finish, and juicy texture.


The chicken is marinated in yoghurt and spices including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, then cooked in a traditional clay tandoor oven. The result is tender meat with charred edges and a deep red hue, served hot with lemon wedges and mint chutney.


It’s the perfect appetiser or share plate for diners who want a flavour-packed start to their meal.

Butter Chicken: The Global Favourite

Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is perhaps the most well-known Punjabi dish on international menus—and for good reason. It offers the perfect balance of creamy tomato-based sauce and tender pieces of chicken that have been grilled before being simmered in the curry.


What sets Punjabi Sunrise’s version apart is the attention to depth and balance—sweetness from tomatoes, richness from cream and butter, and just enough spice to bring warmth without overpowering the dish.


For those new to Brisbane Indian food, this is a classic starting point that pairs beautifully with naan or steamed rice.

Dal Makhani: Vegetarian Comfort in a Bowl

For a vegetarian option that’s just as rich and indulgent as any meat curry, Dal Makhani delivers. Made from whole black lentils and kidney beans, this dish is slow-cooked with butter, cream, garlic, and spices until the texture is silky and the flavour deeply savoury.


It’s a staple in Punjabi households and a go-to for anyone seeking comfort food with substance. Served with rice or roti, it’s filling, nutritious, and entirely satisfying.


Dal Makhani is also a wonderful option for diners seeking vegetarian Indian food in Brisbane that doesn’t compromise on richness or texture.

Amritsari Fish: Coastal Meets North Indian Flavour

Named after the Punjabi city of Amritsar, this dish features fish fillets coated in a spiced chickpea flour batter, deep-fried until golden and crisp. The spices include ajwain (carom seeds), ginger, garlic, and chilli—offering a bold, tangy flavour with a crispy texture.


Amritsari Fish is ideal for seafood lovers wanting something beyond the usual curry, and works well as an entrée or light main. It’s a standout choice on the Brisbane Indian food scene for its vibrant seasoning and satisfying crunch.

Palak Paneer: Fresh Greens & Soft Cheese

Palak Paneer is a vegetarian favourite that brings together fresh spinach purée with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Lightly seasoned with cumin, garlic, and garam masala, it’s both nourishing and vibrant.


The dish is a perfect introduction to the subtlety of Punjabi vegetarian cooking, where spices enhance rather than overpower. Served with naan or chapati, it’s a popular pick among regulars and new diners alike.


If you're looking for must-try Indian food that's green, hearty, and protein-rich—this is it.

Lamb Rogan Josh: Deep Flavour & Tender Meat

Although its roots are in Kashmir, Lamb Rogan Josh has long been embraced in Punjabi-style menus for its depth of flavour and fall-apart texture. Made with tender lamb pieces slow-cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, onions, yoghurt, and spices, this dish is ideal for those wanting a curry that’s bold yet balanced.


The long cooking process allows the lamb to absorb the spices fully, making every bite rich and satisfying. Pair it with basmati rice or garlic naan for a hearty meal that reflects the slow-cooked traditions of North Indian cuisine.

Chole Bhature: Punjabi Street-Style Favourite

Chole Bhature is a dish that combines spicy chickpea curry (chole) with puffy fried bread (bhature), creating a full meal that’s both filling and flavourful. It’s often eaten for brunch or lunch in Punjab, but is equally satisfying any time of day.


The chickpeas are simmered with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a mix of aromatic spices, while the bhature is freshly fried for that golden, fluffy texture. It’s a great vegetarian option for those who enjoy bold spice and authentic regional flair.

Garlic Naan & Roti: The Perfect Pairings

No Punjabi meal is complete without freshly made breads. Garlic naan offers a soft, chewy texture with a lightly crisped edge, making it ideal for scooping up creamy curries like butter chicken or dal makhani.


Tandoori roti, made with wholemeal flour and cooked in the clay oven, provides a slightly firmer, more rustic bite. It pairs beautifully with spicier dishes or thicker sauces.


When dining at Punjabi Sunrise, you’ll find that the variety of bread options enhances every dish on the menu—whether you’re vegetarian or not.

Gulab Jamun: A Sweet Finish

To end the meal on a traditional note, Gulab Jamun offers a warm, syrupy dessert that melts in the mouth. Made from milk solids and soaked in rose-scented syrup, these soft dumplings are rich, sweet, and utterly comforting.


It’s a must-try for those who want to experience the full arc of a traditional Punjabi meal—from tandoori starters to sweet endings.

Order Must-Try Indian Food in Brisbane Today

At Punjabi Sunrise Indian Restaurant, we’re proud to offer an authentic menu of Punjabi dishes prepared with care, tradition, and fresh local ingredients. Whether you're dining in or ordering takeaway, our selection of signature tandoori grills, slow-cooked curries, and vibrant vegetarian options offers something for every palate.


Explore the best of Indian food in Brisbane—book a table or place your order today.