Royal Punjabi Sweets and Bake House

You’re not a real sweet tooth until you’ve tried the underrated delights that are authentic Indian sweets. Fortunately for those in Lower Hutt, Royal Punjabi Sweets and Bake House, an unassuming corner shop in Naenae, invites you to foray into this decadent world - and will leave you coming back for me.

Occupying a prominent corner site in Hillary Court, Naenae’s main shopping strip, Royal Punjabi stands out with its bold blue and gold signage. The exterior is dominated by larger-than-life photos of the food within and blackboards advertising the specials of the day, offering a taster of what to expect. Inside, it’s small and utilitarian - a real grab-and-go kind of place, though you’ll definitely want to take your time perusing the menus.

Renowned for crafting sweets with equal amounts of love and desi ghee, Royal Punjabi ensures every bite is a delightful journey into traditional flavours. The menu boasts a wide array of offerings, from traditional sweets like gulab jamun and kaju katli to savoury favourites such as samosas and namkeens. For those after a more substantive meal, there’s an impressive range of curry meals you can tuck into, ranging from vegetable korma and mutter paneer to dal makhani and more.

Few things are more quintessentially Indian cuisine than traditional sweets and snacks sold side by side. At Royal Punjabi, you’re invited to take your tastebuds on an authentic and fulfilling tour of the best of Punjabi flavours.