Punjabi culture is famous for its rich, flavourful food and warm hospitality.
Whether you’re visiting Punjab, dining at a Punjabi restaurant, or just chatting with friends about your favourite meals, these words will make your conversations tastier!
1. Common Foods
| English | Punjabi (Gurmukhi) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | ਰੋਟੀ | Roṭī |
| Rice | ਚਾਵਲ | Chāval |
| Lentils | ਦਾਲ | Dāl |
| Vegetables | ਸਬਜ਼ੀਆਂ | Sabzīā̃ |
| Meat | ਮਾਸ | Mās |
2. Drinks
| English | Punjabi (Gurmukhi) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Water | ਪਾਣੀ | Pāṇī |
| Tea | ਚਾਹ | Chāh |
| Milk | ਦੁੱਧ | Dudh |
| Juice | ਜੂਸ | Jūs |
| Lassi (yogurt drink) | ਲੱਸੀ | Lassī |
3. Useful Phrases
- ਮੈਨੂੰ ਰੋਟੀ ਚਾਹੀਦੀ ਹੈ। (Mainū roṭī chāhīdī hai.) → I want bread.
- ਕੀ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਚਾਹ ਪਸੰਦ ਹੈ? (Kī tuhānū chāh pasand hai?) → Do you like tea?
- ਕਿਰਪਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਪਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਦਿਓ। (Kirpā karke pāṇī de dio.) → Please give me water.
4. Eating Out
In a restaurant, you might hear or use:
- ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕੀ ਖਾਣਾ ਚਾਹੋਗੇ? (Tusī̃ kī khāṇā chāhoge?) → What would you like to eat?
- ਬਿੱਲ ਦੇ ਦਿਓ। (Bill de dio.) → Please give the bill.
5. Practice
Translate into Punjabi:
- I like lassi.
- Please give me rice.
- Do you want tea or juice?
Quick Recap:
✅ Food – ਰੋਟੀ, ਚਾਵਲ, ਦਾਲ, ਸਬਜ਼ੀਆਂ, ਮਾਸ
✅ Drinks – ਪਾਣੀ, ਚਾਹ, ਦੁੱਧ, ਜੂਸ, ਲੱਸੀ
✅ Ordering phrases for restaurants