Lifehack logo

🍛 Ambala Food Tour: A Flavorful Journey Through Haryana’s Hidden Culinary Gem

🍛 Ambala Food Tour: A Flavorful Journey Through Haryana’s Hidden Culinary Gem

By prashant soniPublished 9 months ago 4 min read
🍛 Ambala Food Tour: A Flavorful Journey Through Haryana’s Hidden Culinary Gem
Photo by Victoria Shes on Unsplash

🏙️ Welcome to Ambala: Haryana’s Culinary Heart

When you think of food tourism in India, cities like Delhi or Amritsar may come to mind. But nestled in Haryana is a lesser-known food paradise — Ambala. Divided into Ambala City and Ambala Cantt, this vibrant town is not only a strategic military and trading hub but also a treasure trove for food lovers.

Whether you’re a local exploring your hometown or a traveler chasing unique tastes, Ambala’s food scene will leave you craving more.

🍴 Must-Try Dishes on Your Ambala Food Tour

1. Chhole Bhature at Pahalwan Dhaba

One of Ambala’s legendary eateries, Pahalwan Dhaba serves the crispiest Bhature with spicy, flavorful Chhole that will blow your mind. Served with pickled onions and green chutney, it's a local breakfast favorite.

📍 Location: Ambala Cantt

⏰ Best Time: Morning till Noon

2. Desi Ghee Jalebi at Bikaneri Mishthan Bhandar

Forget the calorie count — hot jalebis dripping with desi ghee are a must in Ambala. Crispy, syrupy, and sinfully delicious, these sweets are best enjoyed early in the morning or late evening.

📍 Location: Nicholson Road, Ambala Cantt

3. Soya Chaap Rolls from Friends Chaap Corner

For vegetarians looking for something exciting, the soya chaap rolls here are perfectly marinated, grilled, and served with a range of chutneys. Perfect for a street food lover!

📍 Location: Prem Nagar, Ambala City

4. Kulcha-Chole at Ahuja Kulcha Hut

This humble food joint serves Amritsari-style kulchas with a spicy twist of Haryana. Served with butter and tangy chutney, they’re a hit among college students and locals alike.

📍 Location: Near SD College, Ambala Cantt

5. Lassi & Chaas at Local Dhabas

Cool down your spicy food adventure with a tall glass of sweet lassi or masala chaas (buttermilk). These refreshing drinks are available at almost every dhaba and sweet shop in the city.

🛒 Food Souvenirs to Take Home

Achaar (Pickles): Local homemade pickles in jars

Besan Laddoos: Perfect sweet treat to carry

Papads & Namkeens: Crunchy snacks made by local brands

🗓️ Best Time for a Food Tour in Ambala

Plan your trip between October and March for pleasant weather. Winters enhance the taste of hot foods like parathas, jalebis, and chai.

📌 Travel Tips for Foodies

Go on an empty stomach — there's too much to taste!

Ask locals for the “hidden gems” — they’ll point you to the best spots.

Be mindful of hygiene at street stalls (carry sanitizer).

Don’t miss night street food near Sadar Bazar and Rai Market.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Ambala may not be on every foodie’s radar — but it should be! With a mix of Punjabi, Haryanvi, and North Indian flavors, Ambala’s food scene is rich, affordable, and deeply satisfying. Whether you're biting into a crispy bhatura or sipping sweet lassi under a shady tree, each bite tells the story of Haryana's vibrant culture.

🙌 Have You Explored Ambala’s Food Scene?

Drop your favorite food spots in the comments!

Or better — pack your bags, charge your phone, and get ready for your very own Ambala Food Tour. your tastebuds will thank you!

🔥 Why Ambala is a Must-Visit for Foodies

Ambala is more than a military base or a junction city — it’s a food lover’s paradise. The city offers a fusion of Punjabi boldness, Haryanvi simplicity, and North Indian spice, making it an underrated culinary destination.

🍲 More Iconic Foods & Hidden Gems in Ambala

6. Matthi & Aloo Subzi at Sharma Bhojanalaya

This simple meal tastes like grandma's kitchen — crispy matthis paired with spicy aloo sabzi, pickles, and curd.

📍 Location: Near Ambala Railway Station

💡 Pro Tip: Try it with sweet mango pickle!

7. Pakode & Chai at Bittu Pakode Wala

If it's raining, there's no better combo than hot onion pakoras and steaming ginger tea. This shop has been a favorite for decades.

📍 Location: Halwai Bazaar, Ambala City

8. Mutton Curry at Shere Punjab Dhaba

Non-vegetarians rejoice! Their slow-cooked mutton curry with tandoori roti is rich, spicy, and unforgettable.

📍 Location: Ambala Cantt, near Flyover

9. Fruit Cream at Kaka Dairy

Beat the summer heat with a cup of fresh fruit cream — loaded with chopped seasonal fruits and homemade cream.

📍 Location: Model Town, Ambala City

📸 Insta-Worthy Dessert!

10. Kulfi Falooda at Jain Sweets

Creamy kulfi, rose syrup, vermicelli — the perfect end to your food trail.

📍 Location: Rai Market

🛍️ Where to Buy Local Snacks & Sweets

🛒 Garg Bakers & Sweets – For bakery snacks, cakes, and biscuits

🛒 Aggarwal Sweets – Known for laddoos, rasgullas, and Bengali sweets

🛒 Local Namkeen Shops – For spicy bhujia, dalmoth, and masala peanuts

🗺️ Sample 1-Day Ambala Food Tour Itinerary

9:00 AM – Start with Chhole Bhature at Pahalwan Dhaba

11:00 AM – Jalebi & Lassi from Bikaneri Mishthan Bhandar

1:00 PM – Lunch at Shere Punjab Dhaba (Non-veg) or Ahuja Kulcha Hut (Veg)

3:30 PM – Chai & Pakode at Bittu Pakode Wala

5:00 PM – Fruit Cream from Kaka Dairy

7:30 PM – Explore Rai Market street food (chaat, tikki, momos)

9:00 PM – End with Kulfi Falooda & Night Chole Kulche near Halwai Bazaar

Q: What are the best street foods in Ambala?

A: Chhole Bhature, Kulcha-Chole, Jalebi, Pakode, and Soya Chaap Rolls.

Q: Where to eat in Ambala Cantt?

A: Try Pahalwan Dhaba, Shere Punjab, Bikaneri Sweets, and Ahuja Kulcha Hut.

Q: Is Ambala good for foodies?

A: Yes! Ambala offers a unique blend of Punjabi and Haryanvi cuisines, making it a hidden gem for food lovers.

📸 Foodie Tips for Instagrammers

Use hashtags like #AmbalaFoodTour #HiddenGemsHaryana #DesiFoodie

Best lighting: Morning shots near dhabas, golden hour in street markets

Feature the food vendor — locals love shout-outs!

🌐 Bonus: Combine Food Tour with Sightseeing

Sis Ganj Gurudwara – Peaceful spiritual stop

Rani Ka Talab – Great for a sunset walk

Cloth Market – Shop while munching chaat!

💬 Final Thoughts: Ambala is India’s Best Kept Food Secret

Ambala isn’t just a stop on the way — it’s a destination in itself. From traditional dhabas to lively street stalls, from hot jalebis to buttery kulchas — this city serves comfort food with culture.

If you’re planning a food tour in North India, Ambala deserves a full day on your itinerary.

📢 Tell Us in Comments:

Have you tasted something amazing in Ambala that we missed? Let’s build the ultimate foodie map together!

travel

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.