Date with dhabas

Randeep Kher and Vinica Bhat

There is something about a dhaba that makes the food taste so good. Isn’t it? You sit on wooden chair and eat rustic food. The plate of raw onions and green chillies, shiny steel utensils, or the aroma of fresh rotis, what is it that exhilarates everybody’s heart? 

Dhabas are not just eateries, they’re an unforgettable part of your road journeys. Nothing can beat the satisfaction of having tawa chicken with hot and fresh tandoori roti and a blob of white butter that always enhances the zaika of it.

Interestingly, not all iconic dhabas are located on the highways. There are numerous dhabas which lies within the city and serve luscious flavours. 

One of the city’s must go places for chicken and mutton curry is the Swarn Dhaba in Sector-30. It dates back to 1962, when it was situated in Sector-22 market. “It is the blend of our secret aromatic spices that makes our recipes unique,” says Swarn Singh, the owner of the place. This dhabha doesn’t disappoint their vegetarian customers too as its shahi paneer and dal makhni are as popular as its non-vegetarian dishes.

A must-try-place for vegetarians is Katani Dhaba, in Sector-35. You can simply close your eyes and the aroma from their kitchen will tell you that you are at one of the best dhabas in town. The zaika of their paneer lababdar, kadhai mushroom and paneer butter masala will surely tempt you to lick your fingers. And to compliment these delicious dishes are their scrumptious paranthas. Though the seating is familiar to Deluxe restaurant but they haven’t changed their loyalty since past 20 years in-spite of the western food chains that have come up in the city. 

Dhabas have changed dramatically over the years with a number of them providing you with lavish ambiance, so as Deluxe Dhaba, in Sector-28. It is not your regular dhaba as the staffers’ place a huge multi-cuisine menu card before you, while you sit in the comfort of an air-conditioner. The interiors of the place will definitely catch your eye so as their food which won’t disappoint you either. Their lemon chicken and roghanjosh will definitely crave your appetite for more, no matter how full you are. 

For chicken and fish lovers, Tehal Singh’s Chicken in Sector-22 is a must-try place. They are serving their irresistible, finger-licking, rustic flavours from past 45 years. Their Tehal Singh’s special chicken and Punjabi chicken will definitely add on to your gastronomic memories. With an air conditioned seating area, the food tastes even better in this heat of the summer. One bite of their Fish fry and you won’t be able to stop eating. “I come here twice or thrice a week only to have the delicious Fish fry”, says Vidhi, a regular customer. Interestingly, this place serves from noon to mid-night which makes them accessible for different sections of customers visiting them.

So, next time if your tongue demands some desi taste within affordable budget, you know where you have to go.