Ambar Surrey Restaurant in Surrey, British Columbia, is encouraging more people to explore authentic Punjabi dishes and understand the cultural roots behind them.

SURREY, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2026 / Ambar Surrey Restaurant is raising awareness around the value of Punjabi cuisine as a cultural tradition and welcoming starting point for people trying Indian food for the first time. The restaurant is encouraging residents across Surrey and beyond to learn about the most popular Punjabi dishes, support cultural food knowledge, and experience the stories behind these meals.

Punjabi cuisine is one of the most recognized regional food traditions in the world. Indian food remains among the most popular international cuisines in North America, with Punjabi staples such as butter chicken and naan consistently among the most-ordered menu items.

"People walk in every week and ask the same thing: ‘Where do I start?'" shared the team at Ambar Surrey Restaurant. "Punjabi food is bold, but it's also friendly. It's meant to be shared."

The restaurant's advocacy focuses on helping first-time diners feel confident ordering Punjabi dishes while also honoring the heritage behind the cuisine.

Supporting Cultural Food Awareness Through Food Education

Punjabi cuisine, originating in Northern India, is known for its rich flavors, tandoor cooking, and comforting meals built around lentils, breads, and spices. Dishes like Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, and Chole Bhature have become global entry points into Indian food.

Butter chicken, for example, first rose to popularity in the 1950s and remains one of the most widely recognized Punjabi dishes worldwide.

"At our restaurant, butter chicken is often the first dish people try," the team explained. "It's rich, mild, and it helps guests feel at home before they explore stronger spices."

Dal makhani, another staple, highlights the vegetarian strength of Punjabi cuisine. Lentils are also considered one of the most sustainable and affordable protein sources globally, with pulses recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization as important for healthy diets.

"One family tried dal makhani here for the first time," a cook recalled. "They came back the next week just for that dish. That's how comfort food works."

Why Punjabi Cuisine Matters in Today's Food Culture

As global cuisines grow in popularity, cultural understanding often lags behind consumer demand. Food historians emphasize that dishes carry identity, migration stories, and community traditions.

Punjabi cuisine is deeply tied to hospitality values. Meals are designed for sharing, with breads like naan and roti served alongside rich curries.

"A good Punjabi meal isn't just one plate," the restaurant noted. "It's bread, curry, something cooling like lassi. It's balance."

Lassi, the traditional yogurt-based drink, is widely enjoyed across Punjab to cool the palate alongside spice-heavy dishes.

Encouraging the Community to Explore Punjabi Food at Home

Ambar Surrey Restaurant is encouraging individuals and families to take simple steps to support cultural food traditions on their own:

What People Can Do

• Try one new Punjabi dish the next time they order out, starting with beginner-friendly options like butter chicken or aloo mutter

• Learn the difference between breads, such as naan, roti, and bhature

• Pair spicy dishes with cooling sides, like yogurt or lassi

• Explore vegetarian Punjabi staples, including lentil-based dishes like dal makhani

• Support local restaurants that preserve traditional cooking methods and cultural heritage

"Punjabi food is not about extreme heat," the team shared. "It's about depth, texture, and comfort. Once people understand that, they get excited to try more."

A Call to Action: Start With One Dish

Ambar Surrey Restaurant's message is simple: cultural food exploration starts with curiosity.

"You don't need to know everything," the restaurant said. "Just start with one dish. Ask questions. Share a meal. That's how food connects people."

Residents are encouraged to explore Punjabi cuisine respectfully, learn its roots, and support the local businesses keeping these traditions strong.

About Ambar Surrey Restaurant

Ambar Surrey Restaurant is a locally owned Punjabi and Indian dining destination in Surrey, British Columbia. Founded in February 2021, the restaurant is known for its authentic flavors, welcoming hospitality, and commitment to sharing Punjabi food culture with the community. Led by Owner and Director Manjinder Siingh, Ambar Surrey Restaurant brings culinary traditions shaped by experience across India, Portugal, and Canada, while continuing to support community connection through food, events, and social causes.

Media Contact:
Ambar Surrey Restaurant
https://ambarsurrey.com/
ambarsurrey@gmail.com

SOURCE: Ambar Surrey Restaurant