Punjab Meet House Brings Manhattan-Style Indian Dining to Jersey City

Jimmy Rizvi, a long-time Jersey City resident, has brought his Manhattan restaurant expertise to his hometown with Punjab Meet House. After years of commuting to run GupShup in Gramercy and Bungalow in the East Village, Rizvi aims to elevate Indian dining in Jersey City, home to one of the nation’s largest South Asian communities. The restaurant, which opened in early July, features a spacious dining room, a stylish bar, and a menu spanning chaat, tandoor dishes, curries, dal, and breads.

## A Culinary Journey Through Punjab

Chef Zahir Khan, who spent 15 years exploring Punjab’s food scene, draws inspiration from cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Bathinda. His quest went beyond famous restaurants, delving into village kitchens, roadside stalls, and palace kitchens. As a third-generation chef, Khan follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served as a khansama-a master cook for a British governor in New Delhi.

## Standout Dishes

The menu offers a mix of regional specialties and familiar favorites. The **Amritsari machhi** ($18), a fish dish battered in gram flour and fried in mustard oil, delivers a sharp, slightly bitter edge unique to this preparation. For a simpler option, the **sabketa** ($18), a spinach and split black lentil dish with garlic tadka and white butter, showcases the kitchen’s ability to balance flavors without excess. The **chicken changezi** ($28), a chargrilled tikka in buttery tomato sauce, is a crowd-pleaser, best enjoyed with breads like paratha, naan, or roti.

| Dish | Price | Description | |--------------------|-------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Amritsari machhi | $18 | Fish battered in gram flour, fried in mustard oil | | Sabketa | $18 | Spinach and split black lentil with garlic tadka and white butter | | Chicken changezi | $28 | Chargrilled tikka in buttery tomato sauce, served with breads | | Pickles | $6 | Assorted pickles | | Roti/Paratha/Naan | $6-$9 | Freshly baked breads |

## Cocktails and Practical Tips

The cocktail menu reflects Punjab’s history, though some drinks feel overshadowed by the food. The **Javitri**, an Old Fashioned with mace, is a reliable choice, while the **Aam Tarang**-a rum-based drink with makrut lime, mango, citrus, and jaggery-offers a sweeter, crowd-pleasing option.

For those planning a visit, note that GPS may direct you to Christopher Columbus Drive, but the entrance is actually on Montgomery and Warren streets.