Mikey C.
Yelp
You know how sometimes you really need Yelp to come through with a recommendation and Yelp freakin' nails it?
Yeah, that's this place. What a great recommendation. Thanks, Yelp!
Walking through the private parking lot I couldn't help but notice the giant posters outside the restaurant. This place is hella famous. It's been featured on PBS, as well as in the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle and the Bakersfield Californian.
With that kind of exposure I expected to walk into a busy restaurant. However, to my surprise, I found myself the only patron in the dining room.
At 5 pm.
A little bit concerning, but I shrugged it off and approached the counter to order.
I told the woman at the counter it was my first time visiting the place. She asked if I had ever had Punjabi food.
The question kinda caught me by surprise. I told her I've had Indian food a few times, but I have no idea what region the dishes I've had originated from.
I told her I wanted something vegetarian or vegan. She said get the Chole Kulche, you will be happy.
She said it very casually, but she said it with the kind of confidence that made me trust her recommendation.
While I was waiting for my food I noticed a lot of customers and food delivery guys coming in to pick up orders to go.
When I picked up my food the woman behind the counter asked if I would like some pickled vegetables. Yes, thank you very much, I would.
Now, it's not a big deal, but it would've been nice if she explained how Chole Kulche is customarily eaten. Later I found out it's actually a very popular street food in India.
I had no idea that the big thick piece of bread (kulche) is designed to be split and filled with the Chole (chickpea curry) and topped with the pickled vegetables.
So, uncultured savage that I am, I just used the kulche as I would use a piece of naan. Worked just fine. LOL.
That kulche was really quite interesting. Sturdy, yet at the same time light and fluffy. It was strong enough to handle the Chole.
From the first bite of the Chole I was supremely happy. I knew the woman at the counter had given me good advice. The Chole was wonderfully spicy. Like just the right level of spiciness, which for me is right where it makes me start to perspire a little.
The Chole was so good I started thinking about what I would order on my second visit to Punjabi Dhaba.
Because there's no doubt about it, I'm definitely coming back to this place.
Mikey C says: the sooner the better!