Punjab Meet House Brings Taste of Pre-Partition Punjab to Jersey City

Think of the scent of smoky chicken tikka drifting through a glass tower downtown. That’s what’s about to happen at the corner of Columbus Drive and Sussex Street, where a new restaurant called Punjab Meet House opens its doors to the public this Friday.

Punjab Meet House launches on the ground floor of Haus25, the 56-story residential tower at 25 Columbus Drive. The restaurant is the latest venture from Ahtesham Rizvi, who runs the acclaimed Indian eatery GupShup in Manhattan’s Gramercy neighborhood and the Bib Gourmand-awarded Bungalow on First Avenue. Rizvi’s team has been working on this project since 2023, when Jersey Digs first reported on a liquor license transfer for “space B” at the development.

The space itself is designed by Shaila Rizvi Studio, who aimed to evoke the warmth of a true Punjabi home. With about 2,245 square feet, it offers both table and bar seating. The kitchen is helmed by chef Zahir Khan, a third-generation master chef born in India who grew up in a culinary family. Chef Khan also ran the kitchen at GupShup.

So what can you expect to eat? The restaurant promises a “taste of Pre-Partitioned Punjab.” Teaser images show dishes like Haneeth goat ribs and a smoky chicken tikka. A full menu hasn’t been released yet, but a full beverage program is also in the works.

Punjab Meet House hosted a friends-and-family event recently to get things ready. The public opening is Friday, July 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday of opening weekend, they’ll take walk-ins only. The restaurant will be closed on Mondays. Reservations will be available shortly after launch.

For Hudson County residents, this is more than just another restaurant opening. It’s a chance to experience a cuisine that’s deeply rooted in history — specifically the pre-Partition Punjab region, which spans parts of modern-day India and Pakistan. The food here isn’t just curry and naan. It’s regional, layered, and steeped in tradition.

And it’s also a sign of how Jersey City’s dining scene continues to mature. Haus25 already has Meximodo as a ground-floor tenant. Now Punjab Meet House joins it, offering residents and commuters alike a new reason to linger downtown. If you live nearby, you might just smell that smoky chicken tikka on your way home from the PATH station.

“We wanted to bring a piece of Punjab to Jersey City,” said Rizvi, in a statement released through the restaurant’s team. “This is food that tells a story — of family, of home, of shared culture.” The restaurant’s Instagram handle is @punjabmeethouse for those looking to follow along.

What comes next? The restaurant will start taking reservations soon after opening weekend. Hours are still being finalized for regular operations, but for now, you can plan a visit this weekend. If you go, expect a wait — walk-ins only on Saturday and Sunday. But that first bite of Haneeth goat ribs might make it worth every minute.