Sher E Punjab — Restaurant in West Bengal

Sher E Punjab, located in Madhyamgram, Kolkata, is a popular restaurant that specializes in authentic Punjabi cuisine. Having recently dined at Sher E Punjab, I would like to share my review based on the overall experience.

The first thing that caught my attention upon entering Sher E Punjab was its inviting and warm ambiance. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, with traditional Punjabi elements that create an atmosphere reminiscent of Punjab itself. The spacious seating arrangements provide a comfortable and relaxed dining environment for guests.

Moving on to the menu, Sher E Punjab offers a wide range of Punjabi dishes that are prepared with great care and attention to detail. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, the restaurant captures the essence of Punjabi flavors. The dishes are rich in taste, with bold spices and aromatic ingredients that tantalize the taste buds.

One of the highlights of dining at Sher E Punjab is the wide selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Whether you're a fan of paneer tikka, butter chicken, or succulent kebabs, the menu caters to various dietary preferences. The dishes are served in generous portions, ensuring that guests leave satisfied and content.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of trying their famous Dal Makhani and Amritsari Kulcha. The Dal Makhani, a creamy lentil preparation, was cooked to perfection, with a velvety texture and a delightful blend of spices. The Amritsari Kulcha, a stuffed bread with a crispy exterior, paired perfectly with the dal and added an additional layer of indulgence to the meal. Each bite was a burst of flavors that left a lasting impression.

The service at Sher E Punjab was prompt and attentive. The staff members were courteous, knowledgeable about the menu, and ready to assist with any queries or recommendations. They ensured that the dining experience was enjoyable and seamless, further enhancing the overall experience.

In terms of pricing, Sher E Punjab offers good value for the quality and quantity of food served. The prices are reasonable and in line with similar restaurants offering authentic Punjabi cuisine.

One aspect that could be improved is the waiting time during peak hours. The popularity of Sher E Punjab often results in a rush, leading to longer waiting times for a table. However, the delicious food and warm ambiance make the wait worthwhile.

#Food...

This restaurant, before the 90s, was a roadside Punjabi dhaba, run by local Punjabi owners and mostly well-off, business, non-Bengali customers used to come here to enjoy Punjabi food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, mostly of good quality.

The restaurant became famous not only for its food but also for being located on the outskirts of the main city, the then Calcutta (Now Kolkata), as it was surrounded by a large area of ​​greenery and had the Kolkata Airport in front across the road. Such an atmosphere is not available in a crowded city like then Calcutta, moreover the restaurant was very close, within driving distance from the main city.

I enjoyed good food from this restaurant. And my friendships with non-Bengalis including Punjabis in then Calcutta were very good and strong then, even now.

But perhaps this is the only dhaba (restaurant) where my first visit was not so pleasant.

Perhaps, because I am a Bengali, when most Bengalis were not rich enough to order expensive food compared to other restaurant prices, (unlike the wealthy non-Bengalis of the business type), or they simply did not enjoy Punjabi / non Bengali food, as I usually did.

The owner of the restaurant (then) made me wait for an unusually long time, even after my repeated requests and the nod of "Haan, jaldi apka order lenge" (your order will be taken soon), but rather than taking my order on time, he made me wait while taking orders from newcomers.

He probably wanted me to get tired and go somewhere else, but somehow I waited, and the owner was forced to take my order, with a lot of food, which he probably did not expect from a Bengali, that too in rough clothes like a mechanic.

Most likely, since job-class Bengalis rarely visited these relatively expensive, Punjabi restaurants, perhaps traditional Bengali food lovers did not visit this restaurant much at that time and so the restaurant owner probably assessed me as most Bengalis of that time - indifferent to Punjabi food. But I loved and ate all the non-Bengali food available in the whole of Calcutta at that time.

This was my first experience with this...

Sher-E-Punjab Dhaba, located on Jessore Road, offers a mixed dining experience that caters to both family gatherings and casual outings with friends. The establishment is divided into two distinct sections: a family-friendly AC interior and an outdoor seating area where alcohol is served. This setup accommodates diverse preferences, but the overall experience is somewhat inconsistent.

My recent visit to Sher-E-Punjab with friends was motivated by the desire to enjoy good food. However, the culinary experience fell short of expectations, especially when compared to the renowned Sher-E-Punjab outlet in Kolaghat. One significant disappointment was the Kababs. This dish failed to impress and highlighted a discrepancy in maintaining authentic flavors.

On the positive side, the dhaba's alcohol-infused cocktails were a highlight and stood out as a winning aspect of the menu. They added a refreshing twist to the dining experience, making the outdoor seating area a potential draw for those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal.

Pricing at Sher-E-Punjab is reasonable and affordable. However, the cost does not seem justified given the taste and quality of the food. The dishes, while not overly expensive, do not deliver the level of satisfaction one might expect for the price.

Service at Sher-E-Punjab is commendable, with staff members readily available and willing to assist with any needs. Their attentiveness enhances the dining experience, even if the food does not always meet expectations.

In conclusion, Sher-E-Punjab Dhaba on Jessore Road might not be the best destination for those traveling from afar to experience Kolkata’s culinary delights. While it offers a decent spot for an evening meal, particularly if you're looking to enjoy a cocktail or two, the food may not be worth the journey if authentic Punjabi cuisine is your primary goal. For a satisfactory dinner, it’s advisable to stick to selected dishes and manage expectations...