Are you traveling along the busy I-5 highway and suddenly find yourself yearning for a flavorful and authentic meal? Forget the usual fast food chains and predictable pit stops. Just south of Redding, California, a culinary gem awaits, offering a taste of vibrant Punjabi cuisine that’s well worth a detour. Thanks to a local tip and a spirit of adventure, we stumbled upon the “Punjabi Indian Food” truck, and it turned out to be a delightful and unexpected highlight of our day.
Located on Knighton Road, in the charming Churn Creek Bottom area, this bright red and yellow food truck is a beacon for those seeking genuine Indian flavors. Situated conveniently across from the TA Travel Center and just east of I-5, it’s an easily accessible and much more rewarding alternative to standard highway fare. Pulling up to the truck, you’ll immediately sense a different kind of travel break – one that involves delicious, home-style cooking and warm hospitality.
Before even ordering, we were greeted by the friendly chatter of fellow food enthusiasts. Two young travelers from the Bay Area, making their way from a comfortable stay at Gaia Hotel in Anderson to the natural beauty of Stewart Springs near Mount Shasta, enthusiastically recommended the chicken curry. Their advice, “Hot, but not too spicy,” hinted at the authentic and nuanced flavors to come.
Trusting their recommendation and our own appetites, we placed our order. My wife opted for the ever-popular chicken tikka masala, a classic for good reason. I, wanting to explore a wider range of flavors, chose the vegetarian thali. This delightful set meal featured saag paneer and dal makhani, accompanied by a fragrant masala chai. Every dish was a testament to fresh ingredients and skillful preparation. The flavors were vibrant, the spices perfectly balanced, and the experience genuinely transported us.
Punjabi Indian Food Truck in Redding CA serving authentic Punjabi cuisine
Chatting with Tony Singh, one of the owners along with Resham Singh, we learned that their food truck journey on Knighton Road began in June. For a modest $300 a month for the spot, they’ve created a haven for authentic Punjabi food lovers. Word-of-mouth and glowing Yelp reviews are drawing in travelers and locals alike, proving that quality and genuine flavor are a powerful draw. As trucker “Lauren R.” noted in her Yelp review, praising the quick and efficient service, it’s definitely “worth a stop” for anyone seeking a flavorful and fast meal on the go. She particularly enjoyed the thali with saag paneer and chicken tikka, highlighting the perfect balance of flavors and convenience for those on a tight schedule.
Resham and Tony Singh’s culinary roots are deeply embedded in the Punjab region of northern India. This fertile land is celebrated for its rich dairy products and robust, flavorful dishes, encompassing both buttery vegetarian options and succulent poultry, lamb, and goat meat preparations. Every bite at their food truck reflects this heritage, offering a genuine taste of Punjabi home-style cooking.
The masala chai, in particular, was a nostalgic journey in a cup. Its aromatic spices and creamy texture instantly evoked memories of travels through India, a testament to the power of authentic flavors to transport you across continents and time.
As we savored our meals, another carload of hungry travelers arrived – a family from San Jose, accompanied by friends, en route to a houseboat adventure on Lake Shasta. They too, drawn by the promise of delicious food, ordered several thali dishes and created their own impromptu picnic area near the truck. Just like the Tesla-driving duo earlier, they were keen to tap into our local knowledge, asking for recommendations on must-see spots in the area. We happily shared our favorite North State gems like Shasta Dam, Shasta Caverns, and the picturesque headwaters of the Sacramento River in Mount Shasta, fostering a friendly exchange between travelers and locals.
This chance encounter at the Punjabi Indian Food truck was more than just a meal; it was a mini-cultural exchange and a reminder of the simple joys of discovering authentic food in unexpected places. If you’re searching for “Punjabi Food Near Me” while traveling on I-5, or even if you’re a Redding local looking for a flavorful lunch or dinner, make your way to Knighton Road. The Punjabi Indian Food truck, run by Resham and Tony Singh, is not just a food stop – it’s a delicious destination.
About Punjabi Indian Food
- Address: Knighton Road (across from TA Travel Center), Redding
- Phone: 510-688-3192 or 530-440-0510
- Hours: Daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Owners: Resham and Tony Singh
- Established: June 2019
Sample menu items:
- Vegetarian samosa & chole plate $6.99
- Chicken tikka masala $11.99
- Chicken curry $10.99
- Goat curry $13.99
- Meat thali $12
- Vegetarian thali $10
- Chicken wrap $7.99
- Masala chai $2
