Punjabi Dhaba Celebrates 19 Years of Serving Authentic Indian Cuisine in Bakersfield

The family-owned restaurant focuses on traditional cooking methods and healthier ingredients.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a stack of freshly baked naan bread in shades of bright pink, orange, and blue, conceptually representing the authentic Indian cuisine and traditional cooking methods that have kept Punjabi Dhaba in business for nearly two decades.Punjabi Dhaba's handmade naan bread, a signature item at this family-owned Indian restaurant celebrating 19 years in Bakersfield.Bakersfield Today

Punjabi Dhaba, a longtime Indian restaurant in southwest Bakersfield, is marking over 19 years in business. Owned by Balvinder Singh and his wife Mansi Tiwari, the restaurant started as a food truck before moving into a brick-and-mortar location. The menu features traditional Indian dishes made with a focus on quality ingredients and cooking techniques like caramelizing to concentrate flavors.

Why it matters

In a city often dominated by chain restaurants, Punjabi Dhaba stands out as a family-owned business that has built a loyal following by staying true to its roots and offering a healthier take on classic Indian cuisine. The restaurant's longevity in Bakersfield's competitive food scene is a testament to its commitment to quality and customer service.

The details

Punjabi Dhaba's menu is limited but focused on quality, with dishes like Roti and Dhal Makhni, Saag with cottage cheese, Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and desserts like Carrot Halwa and Gulab Jamun. The restaurant uses traditional cooking methods like caramelizing ingredients to concentrate flavors, and the naan is made without yeast or soda. The owners, Balvinder Singh and Mansi Tiwari, started the business as a retirement venture focused on creating healthier Indian dishes.

  • Punjabi Dhaba has been in business for over 19 years.
  • The restaurant is currently open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, but is closed on Wednesdays due to staffing shortages.

The players

Punjabi Dhaba

A family-owned Indian restaurant in southwest Bakersfield that has been in business for over 19 years, serving traditional Indian cuisine with a focus on quality ingredients and healthier cooking methods.

Balvinder Singh

The owner of Punjabi Dhaba, who started the restaurant as a retirement venture focused on creating healthier Indian dishes.

Mansi Tiwari

The wife of Balvinder Singh and co-owner of Punjabi Dhaba.

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What they’re saying

“We started for our health. So this is like a retirement, and we cook with mustard oil.”

— Balvinder Singh, Owner, Punjabi Dhaba

“We don't have, like, tons of choice, but whatever we have, we make it to the best.”

— Balvinder Singh, Owner, Punjabi Dhaba

“If you don't do that, the flavor will not come.”

— Balvinder Singh, Owner, Punjabi Dhaba

The takeaway

Punjabi Dhaba's longevity in Bakersfield's competitive food scene is a testament to its commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer service. By staying true to its roots and offering a healthier take on classic Indian cuisine, the family-owned restaurant has built a loyal following and become a beloved local institution.