They say they want it to be bright and fun. So the new proprietors have been holding what they call a soft opening of the House of Punjab on 32nd Avenue South.
With friends, I tasted a few dishes from the menu that includes Punjab entrees served with rice. And rice is served with chicken, veggies, lamb, shrimp and goat. There are appetizers including Gull Gape – a bite-sized deep fried hollow ball filled with potatoes, chickpeas, onion, cilantro and flavored water.
One of the main entrees is roasted and marinated chicken in special curry sauce with bell peppers and onions. Many main entrees are served with wild rice. Breads are baked in the tandoori oven in 13 different versions including tandoori roti wheat flour bread.
Along with the appetizers and main entrees, there are kabobs including lamb, chicken tikka and chicken.
The restaurant serves breads, sides and desserts. And the desserts range from Gulab Jamun – a homemade cake ball dipped in sweet syrup called one of India’s most popular sweets.
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The House of Punjab is operated by a family originally from India. They came to New York in 1992. And they moved to the Grand Forks area several years ago.
Among the operators of the new House of Punjab are Paramjit Singh and Jagdish Singh, manager: Tajinder Singh and Jogdeep Singh the chefs.
Some of them settled first in New York City where they were engaged mainly in driving taxis. They have moved west and found opportunities in restaurants.
At the Grand Forks restaurant, they have closed off the kitchen and changed the seating arrangement. There is bright new carpeting and more artwork.
Simi, a daughter, and Harper, a son, who work in the new restaurant, are also UND students.
Reach Marilyn Hagerty at mhagerty@gra.midco.net or by telephone at 701-772-1055.
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House of Punjab
3000 32nd Ave. S.
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Grand Forks, N.D.
Telephone: 701-757-0766
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day
Seating: 80 at booth and tables.
Report card: A brightly new decorated Indian café has opened in the space where doughnuts used to be the main attraction. It opened during the past week and offers an Indian flavor to the restaurant scene in Grand Forks.
