The dairy-heavy, greasy and spicy Dhaba food goes hand-in-hand with every road trip in India. These dhabas are modest in their setting with Charpoys and shed-like buildings, but the food here is unpretentious and wholesome.
A hit among all types of travellers, here are some of the best dhabas in India that are lined along the long network of the country’s national highways.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
1. Puran Singh Ka Purana Punjabi Dhaba, NH 1, Haryana
Get ready for some Punjabi-style goodness! Having featured in many TV shows and magazines, the area has 4-5 outlets with similar names, but it is advisable to ask the locals for the original. The ambience may not please you, but the food will surely make up for it. It’s authentic, tasty and moderately spiced. Known for its meat Dishes, the vegetarians can try their sumptuous Kadhi Chawal.
Address: Grand Trunk Road, near Ambala Cantt, Haryana, India.
Must try dishes: Keema Kaleji, Kabab, Chicken Curry, Mutton Biryani, Garlic Naan.
Cost for two: 600
2. Azad Hind Dhaba, NH 1, West Bengal
An upgrade from your regular dhaba, the Azad Hind Dhaba specializes in classical Punjabi cuisine. Dollops and oodles of butter and ghee dominate the cuisine here. Other cuisines that are worth trying include Bengali, Chinese, and Mughlai.
Address: NH 1, Kolkata, India.
Must try dishes: Tandoori Chicken, Butter Chicken, Tadka Dal, Kaali Daal, Paneer Paratha.
Cost for two: 600
3. No. 1 Ahuja, NH 1, Haryana
No.1 Ahuja Dhaba is the quintessential Murthal dhaba experience. Open 24/7 this dhaba on the Grand Trunk Road is a favourite among truck drivers and other travellers. Their all you can eat menu includes the best of dhaba food like tandoori gobi pranthas with pure white butter and lassi with some more white butter!
Address: NH 1, Murthal, India.
Must try dishes: All kinds of parathas and lassi.
Cost for two: 350
4. Mr. Sanjay Dhaba, NH 1D, Jammu & Kashmir
This lone dhaba on the Srinagar-Leh Highway is set inside a single-story concrete building has been a favourite of bikers and travellers. Bask in the sun as you sip on some refreshing tea. Oh, and the surrounding views are just a bonus. The menu is not very elaborate, but we are not complaining.
Address: NH 1D, Srinagar-Leh Highway, India.
Must try dishes: Aalo parantha, gobi ki sabzi, tea.
Cost for two: 400
5. Bhajan Singh Da Dhaba, NH 4, Maharashtra
Talking about this one, the Bhajan Singh Da Dhaba is located on the Old Mumbai Pune Highway. It has a simple setting with lovely artworks of the country side scenes from Punjab, a few Charpoys and cots, and some tables. The food here, with its larger portions, definitely steals the show. The only downside is that the service can be sometimes slow.
Address: NH 4, Old Mumbai - Pune Highway, Maharashtra, India.
Must try dishes: Masala Papad, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Lamba, Rice, Biryani, Butter Chicken, Chicken Curry
Cost for two: 500
6. Sunny Da Dhaba, NH 4, Maharashtra
Sunny Da Dhaba never disappoints. Located on the Old Pune Mumbai Highway, this dhaba is a favourite pitstop for many travellers. Perfectly cooked pieces of meat, smoky tandoori dishes, piping hot jalebis, and thick rabri is what makes people come back for more! A perfect combination of ambience, weather, food and good music, don’t miss out on stopping by at Sunny’s.
Address: NH 4, Old Mumbai - Pune Highway, Lonavala, Maharashtra, India.
Must try dishes: Butter Chicken, Chicken Handi, Chicken Lamba, Rumali Roti, Tangdi Kabab, Rumali Papad, Dal Makhani
Cost for two: 1200
7. Kinara Village Dhaba, NH 4, Maharashtra
This lively dhaba is located not very far from Pune. Come here and you will feel as though you have stepped inside a village, the place is indeed aptly named. There are camel rides, horse carts, amusement games, a tarot card reader, and much more. The food is every kind of Indian cuisine. Their big glass on lassi surely steals the show!
Address: Off NH 48, Lonavala, Maharashtra, India.
Must try dishes: Veg Chilli Milli, Veg Manchurian, Panneer Butter Masala, Crispy Chicken, Jalebi, Kulcha, Rabri
Cost for two: 1,200
8. Chilika Dhaba, NH 5, Odisha
Set right next to the Chilika Lake, the food here is zippy and zesty. The fresh prawns, crabs, fishes come from the lake and straight onto your plates. The food comes in both thali and a-la-carte options. The authentic Odia food does lack finesse, which kinda makes it more appealing. An absolute must-visit if you are in the area.
Address: NH5, Barkul, Odisha, India.
Must try dishes: Chilly Prawn, Crab Masala, Fish Curry, Butter Naan
Cost for two: 1,200
9. Sher-E-Punjab, NH 6, West Bengal
Think Sher-E-Punjab, think char-broiled food! Serving classic Punjabi food dishes which are high in cholesterol (for those strictly once in a while indulgences), Sher-E-Punjab is highly recommended while near Kolaghat. The food is generous in flavours, and literally everything on the menu is recommended.
Address: NH 6, Kolaghat, West Bengal, India.
Must try dishes: Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Bharta, Rara Mutton, Makke Ki Roti, Paneer Tikka, Sarson Ka Saag, Masala Kulcha, Pineapple Raita.
Cost for two: 800
10. Reddy Punjabi Dhaba, NH 7, Andhra Pradesh
Offering excellent food choice for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, the Reddy Punjabi Dhaba is known for its rich and finger-licking food. The place may not look like your typical dhaba, with its chairs and tables but is great to stop by and is considered one of the best dhabas in Andhra Pradesh. Reddy’s also servers booze.
Address: NH 7, Bangalore Hyderabad Highway, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Must try dishes: Pepper Chicken, Dal Makahni, Phulkas.
Cost for two: 600
11. Pal Dhaba Chandigarh, Off NH 7
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
This place is not for the vegetarians! One of the best eateries in Chandigarh, the Pal Dhaba has a long-standing relationship with finger-licking good Punjabi food (and those extra calories). A popular eating joint among locals as well as visitors, their ghee-rich dishes are killer! The staff here is polite and generous, which only adds to your experience.
Address: Off NH 7, Chandigarh, India.
Must try dishes: Butter Chicken, Lassi, Chicken Curry, Dal Makhani, Mutton Roganjosh, Keema Kaleji, Chana Masala.
Cost for two: 700
12. Deepak Dhaba, NH 7, Punjab
Image Source: Flickr.com
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Deepak Dhaba is a must stop for every self-respecting non-vegetarian. This desi dhaba has everything a Punjabi dhaba must have; the chilled ambience, hot and fresh food, quick service, warm smiles, affordable rates, and ample parking.
Address: Off NH 7, Dhanaula, Barnala, Punjab, India.
Must try dishes: Tandoori Fish, Lahori Fish Pakora, Afgani Chicken, Mutton Rogan Josh, Paneer Paratha.
Cost for two: 450
13. Old Rao Hotel, NH 8, Haryana
This vegetarian dhaba serves everything from aloo special, paneer special and dal special to desi Chinese, uttapams, dosais, and more. One of the best dhabas on Delhi-Jaipur highway, the ultimate goal of the owners is to provide tasty and hygienic food to its customers.
Address: NH 8, Delhi - Jaipur Highway, Sidhrawali, Haryana, India.
Must try dishes: Aloo Pyaj Parantha, Stuffed Dum Aloo, Sweet Lassi, Chhole Bhature.
Cost for two: 800
14. Umiya Annapurna Kathiyawadi Restaurant, NH 8, Gujrat
The Umiya Annapurna Kathiyawadi Restaurant is a cash only dhaba located on National Highway 8 between Vadodara and Ahmedabad. Offering a slightly spicy and greasy version of Gujrati food, the food here is cooked to perfection over the wood fires. Their food menu goes from a perfect thali to a variety of chat, snacks and tea.
Address: NH 8, Rajodpura, Gujrat, India.
Must try dishes: Kadhi, Papad, Phulkas, Makai Roti, Daal Kichadi, Rice, Dahi Wada, Chaas, Custard, Makai Halwa, Dhokla, Cutlet.
Cost for two: 500
15. Mannat Dhaba, NH 8, Haryana
Serving traditional northern Indian and Mughlai dishes in timeless fashion, the Mannat Dhaba is yet another popular dhaba near Delhi. Ambient atmosphere, good service, and a delightful food journey that this place takes you on is what sets Mannat Dhaba apart from the rest.
Address: NH 8, Sidhrawali, Haryana, India.
Must try dishes: Paratha, Masala Paneer, Lassi, Tea, Chai, Thali, Paneer Tikka.
Cost for two: 500
16. Gyani Dhaba, NH 22, Himachal Pradesh
Best known for its desi food, the food here is without a doubt, delicious. The dhaba was originally built in 1973 and has turned into a ‘must-stop’ along the Kalka-Shimla Highway. Offering legendary vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, this dhaba is a regular among many high-profile personalities. Gyani’s is clean, spacious and offers ample parking space.
Address: NH-22-Dharampur, Kasauli, India
Must try dishes: Butter Chicken, Masala Chicken, Dal Fry, Jeera Aloo and Boondi Raita.
Cost for two: 500
17. Moga Punjabi Tadka, NH 24, Uttar Pradesh
One of the best pit-stops along NH 24, Moga Punjabi Tadka has the lightest and tastiest tandoori rotis you’ll ever taste. Its rustic simplicity coupled with a lovely ambience makes this a great place to stretch your legs and savour some Indian delicacies.
Address: NH 24, Chobara, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Must try dishes: Dal Punjabi Tadka, Aloo Zeera, Masala Papad, Tandoori Roti, Kulfi.
Cost for two: 600
18. Bhajan Dhaba, NH 24, Uttar Pradesh
For those heading towards Kumaon in Uttaranchal, a stop at Bhajan Tadka Dhaba is a must! Their lovely thatched cabin and the surrounding views will please your senses. What sets this place apart is that veggies cooked in the kitchen come from their greenhouses.
Address: NH 24, Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Must try dishes: Paneer Butter Masala, Chana Masala, Kadhi Pakora and Garlic Laccha parantha
Cost for two: 800
19. Samaroh En Dees Dhaba, NH 37, Assam
With over 150 items on menu, the food choices here are many. Nitul Das’s Samaroh Dhaba is set amidst the paddy fields and set high up on the wooden stilts. The food is spicy and makes the best use of dry and fresh spices like turmeric, black pepper, coriander, ginger and garlic. A must visit dhaba if you are in or around Tezpur.
Address: NH 37, Batamari, Kachari Pam, Tezpur, Assam, India.
Must try dishes: Pigeon Curry, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Malai Kebab, Tandoori Roti
Cost for two: 800
20. Zamindara Dhaba, NH 44A, Jammu & Kashmir
A beautiful dhaba along a beautiful highway! Zamindara Dhaba on the way to Jammu serves an array of vegetarian dishes that are cooked in shudhh desi ghee. The food is freshly prepared, and the ambience is superb. A delight for someone looking for a quick highway stop.
Address: NH 44A, Jakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Must try dishes: Paneer Tikka Masala, Dal Makhni, Butter Naan, Kheer, Phirni, Lassi and Ice Cream
Cost for two: 400
21. Sharma Dhaba, Off NH 48, Rajasthan
Sharma’s Dhaba is known for its flaky, super soft, and melt in mouth yummy butter naans! Located on the Jaipur-Sikar Road, Puranmal Sharma’s dhaba has everything you would except from a dhaba. The ambience, the food, the setting and tons of stories go hand-in-hand to create a lovely experince for everyone who stops here.
Address: Off NH 48, Jaipur-Sikar Road, India.
Must try dishes: Mawa Naan, Mix Veg, Lassi, Aloo Paratha, Chana Masala, Soda Sikhanji, Chaach
Cost for two: 500
22. Cheetal Grand, NH 58, Uttar Pradesh
Located halfway between Meerut and Muzaffarnagar, Cheetal is one of the best-rated highway dhabas in India. The food spread is wide; right from the typical roti, sabzi, dal, chawal to omelettes, sandwiches, fries, cutlets, and even idlis and dosas. Mr. Rana, the owner, owes the success of his dhaba to the beautifully set garden surrounding the dhaba, which he thinks adds a personal touch to it.
Address: Khatauli Bypass, NH 58, Khatauli, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Must try dishes: Cheese Omelette, Assorted pakoras, Chai, Veg grilled sandwiches, Ice Cream and Masala Dosa.
Cost for two: 650
23. Jain Shikanji, NH 58, Uttarakhand
Image Source: Flickr.com
This place is a must-stop if travelling via Modinagar on the Delhi-Haridwar Highway. 27. Jain Shikanji is more of a restaurant than a dhaba. Their variety of Indian snacks like poori subji, moong daal pakora, and mirchi pakora are perfect to have at any time of the day. You can also indulge in sweets like sohan papri, balushahi, milk cake, and kaju pan to satiate that sweet tooth!
Address: NH58, Modinagar, Uttarakhand
Must try dishes: Jain Shikanji, Special Paneer Bread Pakora, Rajma Chaval, Chole Bhature
Cost for two: 400
24. Manipuzha Vysali Family Restaurant, NH 138, Kerala
Stop here for the goodness of Naadan taste! Manipuzha Vysali Family Restaurant near Kottayam has Chinese and Continental food as well, but it’s best to stick to the Naadan that is made with onion, spices, garlic, and vinegar and served on a banana leaf. The sambars, chutneys, dals, aviyal are absolutely worth trying.
Address: NH 183, Kottayam, Kerala, India.
Must try dishes: Naadan style crab curry, konju (tiger prawns), naimeen molee (seer fish)
Cost for two: 500
25. Delhi Dhaba Mahabalipuram, East Coast Road, Tamil Nadu
Everything about this place is awesome! The food, the crowd, the service, and the views. On the inside this may not look like you typical dhaba, but rather more like a restaurant. As one of the best dhabas near Chennai, this place surely lives up to its expectations.
Address: East Coast Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Must try dishes: Chicken Tikka, Mutton Roganjosh, Lassi, Cheese Naan.
Cost for two: 700
Are you salivating already? Make sure you keep a note of these dhaba reccos when you are hitting the road next. Now some of these dhabas may require you to take a little detour, but for food this good, I am sure you won’t mid going an extra mile!
