Rang Punjab: A Farmer’s Restaurant in Amritsar
Treat your taste buds to a rustic menu by indulging in delightful offerings from Rang Punjab’s Sharbat Bar, Farmer’s, Nanakshahi, Nihang Singhs and Nostalgia crafted with authenticity.
On a drizzly, yet delightful afternoon, the aroma of exotic spices wafted through the air as I strode through the bustling alleyway of Amritsar to the iconic town hall building. This location has an illustrious past, from the Mughals to the British, and is on the same route that leads to the Golden Temple. On the momentous occasion of Baisakhi – April 13th 2022 – fashion designer Kiran Dhillon and New York Chef Gurpreet Gehdu, inspired by their vision, paid tribute to this spectacular location by unveiling Rang Punjab; a restaurant that celebrates farmers.
From the finest ingredients and the utmost attention to detail, this restaurant offers an exclusive dining experience with an array of authentic Amritsari dishes, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the town.
“The idea was to seamlessly blend history and culture together, to craft a space where everyone, from a humble farmer from a village to an NRI couple, can savour their meal. To create a place where great food is served, with a vivid showcase of the kitchens of Punjab’s farmers, where women can gain knowledge and work simultaneously. Here, the youth work at the farms in the morning and come back in the evening to create the renowned fruit cream. Moreover, Rang Punjab is also a place where farmers can directly sell their fresh produce,” proudly proclaim Kiran Dhillon and Gurpreet Gehdu.
Stepping into Rang Punjab, I was immediately whisked back to traditional Punjab. The 350-seater restaurant is an inviting sight, with its vivid walls and windows, Punjabi alphabets, and vibrant wall hangings, complete with a festive Sharbat bar that’s sure to whet your appetite. Although what impressed me, was the fact that all the ingredients are sourced from local farmers, their families and friends. The farm-to-fork ethos made the entire meal even more special as, now, I was aware of the environmental effects of sustainable practices.
“I often felt deflated by the fact that the finest Indian restaurants were not actually in India. If you want to experience the true flavours of India, you have to start your culinary tour in Amritsar. After all, the very best Punjabi/North Indian cuisine is in its place of origin, just like the purest form of the Ganges River is at Gangotri. It’s like the same as in classical music or dance – the modern forms are simply interpretations. When working abroad, you have to take into consideration the local needs. But here, I’m at my most creative and I’m in my element.” – Gurpreet Gehdu
Table of Contents
Sharbat Bar – Legend Worth Tasting
Before you feast on the lavish meal, order something from the Sharbat bar. On my initial visit, I indulged in the Bazoori, Doodh Sodha, and Brahmi Badam – each more exquisite than the last. Then, on my second visit, I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and opted for the Lychee ginger ale soda and Ganna (sugarcane) juice sorbet. Little did I know that the invention of Sharbat can be traced back centuries.
Legend has it that the Mughals first introduced Sharbat to India in the 16th century, popularised by Emperor Babar who sent frequent shipments of ice from the Himalayas to concoct these exotic and refreshing drinks. But some ancient texts suggest that Sharbat was first invented by the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras in 500 BC – either way, now that’s a legend that’s worth tasting.
Farmer’s Farm-To-Fork Ethos
On my first visit to Rang Punjab, the authentic flavours of Punjab swept me away. I savoured the Kujje wali dal, a one-pot marvel; Aloo wadi, a sumptuous potato treat; Louki Raita, an irresistible yoghurt bottle-gourd blend; and Gur wale Chawal, a Farmer’s special jaggery rice.
Every bite of these age-old recipes was a captivating voyage for my taste buds, making me want to lick every last crumb from my fingertips. On my next visit, I tried the mushroom sizzler and the crunchy corn Aam papad (mango fritters) for the starters. The flavours exploded in my mouth, and the perfect hint of spice left me wanting more.
Nanakshahi – Favourites of Guru Nanak
Every dish, from the traditional Kurkuri Bhindi (fried ladyfinger) and Bharwan Karela (stuffed bitter gourd) to the Loon Mandi de Chhole and Sukhi dal, was cooked with precision and care – no detail left to chance. The accompaniments were equally impressive – Palak Bathua Raita, Bajre di Roti, Tandoori Roti and Phulkari Pulao – each one flavourful. These recipes, in all their deliciousness, are a testament to the long and deep-rooted connection between the Sindhi people and Guru Nanak. Truly a homage to the beautiful traditions that have been passed down for generations. The service, too, was top-notch and professional.
Nihang Singhs – Pilgrimage To The Sikh
We’ve all heard legends of the valiant Nihang Singhs and their cuisine and I always wanted to experience it firsthand. Thus, when I discovered that Rang Punjab served the traditional Nihang Singh menu, I just had to give it a try. I chose the Shardai Thandai, which is a beloved favourite among the Sikhs.
Not long after, the waiter served me a glass filled to the brim with a creamy concoction. With eager anticipation, I took a sip and my taste buds were met with the sweet, yet refreshing and slightly tart flavour of the Thandai. The delightful blend of cardamom and rose lingered on my tongue, and I felt a surge of Nihangs coursing through me. Drinking this Thandai was akin to a pilgrimage to the heart of the Sikh religion, and I think I did it justice.
Nostalgia – Reliving Memories
The Rang Punjab tasting platter is a flood of nostalgia that will wash over you like a wave of memories. The kanji salad was a delightful surprise, and the lychee Rabri was a scrumptious ending to the meal. I couldn’t get enough of the velvety texture and delicate sweetness of the lychee. And the cherry on top was the fruit cream that topped off the meal. It was just the right amount of creaminess that I was looking for. I realised that the Nostalgia Menu was like a portal to my childhood memories of Punjab. Every bite reminded me of the wonderful memories of my visits to Punjab and was the perfect way to relive those memories all over again.
From the finest ingredients to beautiful and inviting art, Rang Punjab is an unforgettable experience for those eager to discover authentic Punjabi culture. With expert chefs in the kitchen, you’ll be treated to an array of hearty dishes. But the real treat is the warmth and hospitality of the staff who will make you feel right at home.
