Punjabi Food Words: From ਰੋਟੀ to ਲੰਗਰ
The vocabulary of the Punjabi table: staples, dishes, drinks and the langar tradition, with useful phrases.
Punjabi cuisine is famous, and its vocabulary is easy to use.
Staples
| Punjabi | Romanised | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ਰੋਟੀ | rotee | bread, also "a meal" |
| ਦਾਲ | daal | lentils |
| ਚਾਵਲ | chaaval | rice |
| ਸਬਜ਼ੀ | sabzee | vegetable dish |
| ਦਹੀਂ | daheen | yoghurt |
| ਮੱਖਣ | makkhan | butter |
| ਘਿਓ | ghio | ghee |
| ਲੱਸੀ | lassee | lassi, a yoghurt drink |
Well-known dishes
- ਮੱਕੀ ਦੀ ਰੋਟੀ ਤੇ ਸਰ੍ਹੋਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਗ — cornmeal bread with mustard greens, a winter favourite
- ਪਰਾਂਠਾ — stuffed flatbread
- ਛੋਲੇ — chickpeas
- ਰਾਜਮਾਂਹ — kidney beans
- ਪਨੀਰ — paneer, fresh cheese
Drinks and sweets
- ਚਾਹ — tea
- ਪਾਣੀ — water
- ਦੁੱਧ — milk
- ਖੀਰ — rice pudding
Langar
ਲੰਗਰ is the community kitchen of the gurdwara, where anyone can sit together and eat a free vegetarian meal. Related words:
- ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ — the Sikh place of worship
- ਸੇਵਾ — selfless service
At the table
- ਖਾਣਾ ਤਿਆਰ ਹੈ। — The meal is ready.
- ਹੋਰ ਲਵੋ। — Take some more.
- ਬਹੁਤ ਸੁਆਦ ਹੈ। — It's very tasty.
- ਮੈਨੂੰ ਭੁੱਖ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੈ। — I'm hungry.
- ਬੱਸ, ਧੰਨਵਾਦ। — That's enough, thank you.
Tips
- Learn the staples first.
- Say ਸੁਆਦ to compliment a cook.
- Use the dictionary for dish names.
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