Taste of Punjab Princeton - Spicy Pakistani/Indian Food

Taste of Punjab Princeton

Address:
Taste of Punjab
4437 Lincoln Hwy
Princeton, NJ 08540

Other New Jersey Indian Restaurants

Taste of Punjab Princeton: Spicy Pakistani/Indian Food

Located next to Dutch Farmers Market in Kingston Mall and across the street from Durga Mandir in Princeton is Taste of Punjab restaurant.

I recently visited this Pakistani restaurant cum sweet store on the recommendation of an Indian friend living in Princeton. My friend is a frequent visitor to the restaurant and wouldn't stop heaping praises upon it.

Kabab Platter

Unlike a lot of New Jersey Indian restaurants in Franklin Park, Princeton and surrounding areas, Taste of Punjab offers primarily a la carte menu. The restaurant offers a lunch buffet on Fridays and Saturdays for $11.99.

Since my visit was on a Saturday evening, I ordered a Kabab Platter ($6.49) for dine-in, and Sarason Ka Saag, Makki Di Roti ($10), Paneer Masala ($9) and Mirchi Bajji ($3.99) for takeout. Here is my take on Taste of Punjab Restaurant starting with Kababs:

Kabab Platter

Kabab platter included 15 small pieces with onion, lettuce and cilantro seasoning accompanied by Green Chutney and Tamarind Sauce sides.

I asked for both Tandoori Chicken and spicy Lamb Kababs.

Kababs are pre-made and stored in the cooler, to the right of the cash counter.

Our waiter heated it and brought it to the table, sizzling on an iron griddle.

There was nothing distinguishing about our Kababs.

Although we were promised spicy Lamb Kababs, what we got was anything but spicy.

Even my friend couldn't help voicing his disappointment.

Mirchi Bajji

Mirchi Bajji included six pieces.

Mirchi Bajji

With a medium thick outer batter covering, Taste of Punjab's Mirchi Bajji was spicy and much relished.

I regretted not ordering another box of Mirchi Bajji.

Sarason Ka Saag, Makki Di Roti

Pleased with my Mirchi Bajji appetizer, I moved on to Sarason Ka Saag.

Sarason Ka Saag, Makki Di Roti

It included a Makki Di Roti and a small portion of Saag entree.

Sarason Ka Saag was a little oily and spicy as requested.

Makki Di Roti was soft, well roasted and daubed with some ghee on top.

The combination was yummy but not value for money.

My grouse was the small serving size of Sarason Ka Saag for $10.

Paneer Masala Without Rice

A close competitor to Sarason Ka Saag in fine taste was Paneer Masala.

Paneer Masala

Set in a creamy, crushed red pepper spicy medium thick gravy Paneer Masala included several small cubes of Paneer.

Paneer cubes were tender and absorbed the spicy masala well.

But the small serving size and absence of white rice made Paneer Masala's $9 price seem ridiculous.

Seriously, how much would it cost to throw in a small serving of white rice after charging $9 for a vegetarian entree.

Ambiance and Service

Taste of Punjab is primarily a takeout spot. During my visit, I noticed a steady stream of visitors dropping by to pick up their food.

Although the dining room, floor and tables were clean, the place has a drab look.

As you enter, you have tables upfront, with food / cash counter and kitchen at the rear. You pick up a stapled paper menu, place your order, pay for it and wait for your food to arrive.

While my takeout order was packed neatly, it did not come with napkins, plastic spoon and fork and paper plates.

Taste of Punjab Rating - Not Great Value for Money

I was not displeased with the spicy Indian food served by Taste of Punjab.

But the serving size is small and entrees come without white rice.

While I enjoyed the food, I may not revisit Taste of Punjab as it is not good value for money. - © Sagar.com