The New, Larger Punjab in Arlington to Open Tomorrow

[hiddenboston]

After many months of anticipation, Punjab opens in its new location tomorrow. The new location, which is a couple of doors down from the old location, is much bigger and looks very nice. They did a good job of fixing up the place, which used to be a Buck A Book.

I can't wait to try it! I bet there will be lines out the door tomorrow, so I may wait a few days...

[fenian]

The stuff I've ordered from Punjab has been quite good. I really enjoyed the tandoori vegetable salad.

[gini]

Punjab is great for inexpensive, suburban Indian. Most of the dishes are well excecuted, and everything has been tasty each time I've ordered from there. Punjab has a much more typically North Indian/Punjabi menu than Namaskar, who's menu is much more diverse. I still love Namaskar, but Punjab is a great option for straight forward, familiar Indian.

[MaineRed]

The naanwich (naan sandwich) is very good, esp. if you ask for it spicy! basically a lemony yogurt sauce on grilled veggies (or meat) wrapped in an enormous piece of naan...

[yumyum]

Heartily second the naanwich -- tried it this summer and when I drove by today, the car almost pulled over by itself to get another. Mine was tandoori chicken, tangy sauce, in that scrumptuous naan.

[Pia]

You can also get the naanwich and other snacks (chaat, samosas, sambhar with idli) at their little outpost across the street, Chai Cafe. I'm guessing it's cheaper and it's counter service.

[yumyum]

Good to know! Thanks Pia!

[opinionatedchef]

we ate there once and it was noth special. have you eaten at namaskar? i'm guessing that you haven't, or you wouldn't care about punjab. but plse tell me if you DO actually think punjab outshines namaskar on particular dishes...

[Sal Monella]

Hey OC. haven't eaten there (have eaten as namaskar) yet but my Indian co-worker raves about it. I'll give it a shot and report back. I didn't get bowled over by Namaskar. I do like India Quality and Kashmir.

[hiddenboston]

I haven't been to either, actually, though I was thinking of Namaskar this week sometime (or Shanti in Dorchester). I think I'll wait for the crowds to die down at Punjab before going, as I think it will be pretty packed for the next few days.

My favorites (now that Classic India in Quincy is gone) are probably Punjabi Dhaba in Cambridge, Himalayan Bistro in West Roxbury, and India Quality in Kenmore Square. The latter may be the best of the lot--hot, hot, hot stuff there if you request it. I was sweating for a week last time I went!

[phoebek]

I usually go to Namaskar since it's in my neighborhood, and I haven't had a bad meal there, ever. But I do prefer Punjab's baingan bhartha.

[Sal Monella]

Thanks for the update HB. I've been wondering when they'd open. I needed an excuse to eat there so this is as good as any.