Route info/NH: Delhi - Amritsar NH 1

Location: Murthal on LHS while going from Delhi towards Amritsar

Name of the eatery: Sukhdev Vaishno Dhaba [Vegetarian]

Details of food and facilities available: Mouth-watering paranthas and thandi kheer. Ample parking. Clean toilets

My rating:


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Route info/NH: Delhi - Amritsar NH 1

Location: Jalandhar bypass on LHS while going from Jalandhar to Delhi

Name of the eatery: Haveli [Vegetarian]

Details of food and facilities available: Chole Bhature and kesar kheer. Ample parking. 5-star rest rooms.

My rating:




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Route info/NH: Delhi - Amritsar NH 1

Location: Karnal on LHS of NH 1 while going from Jalandhar to Delhi

Name of the eatery: Neelkanth [Vegetarian]

Details of food and facilities available: Varieties of food available. Ample parking. Clean toilets.

My rating: Thumbs up.

[Irish]

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Route info/NH: Delhi - Amritsar NH 1

Location: Murthal on LHS while going from Delhi towards Amritsar

Name of the eatery: Sukhdev Vaishno Dhaba [Vegetarian]

Just after 1 km of Sukhdev Dhaba, there is Haveli on the same side (i.e. LHS of NH1) as of Sukhdev. This Haveli is the only branch of Jallandhar Haveli in India. Otherwise there are number of other Havelis too on NH1. But these two belongs to the same unit.

And I will rate Haveli food better then Sukhdev.

cheers!
Irish

[animdas]

Originally Posted by animdas

Guys,

This weekend (14-15 Jan), I will be travelling to Bangalore-Halebid-Belur-Shravanbelagola-Bangalore in 1 2D-1N journey with night stay at KSTDC, Belur.

We will be entering NICE-Bannerghatta at around 7:45am, so, would be at Kamat-Dobbespet by 9-9:15. If we can start by 10am, we plan to reach Halebid by 12.

However, I do not know whether we can get good food (North Indian Thali would be great- or else South Indian Thali would do- but most important is a hygienic place). Worst case, we are planning to pack Sandwiches from CCD-Dobbespet!

Any suggestion on this?

I have modified my post.
Any input, guys!

[sriturl]

Any good eateries (more of dhabas than the Kamat Upachar kinds) on NH4 (Bangalore-Hubli stretch) ?
Any good local eateries, of the North KA variety around Hubli/Dharwad preferably on the by pass etc., are welcome.

We met one Mr Manpreet Singh at Patiala during our visit there. He insisted that we have our dinner at Deepak Dhaba [vegetarian] at Dhanaula after Sangrur on RHS of the highway, about 70 km from Patiala on our way to Jaisalmer. We were touched by the love and affection showered by this total stranger on us. As suggested by him, we had our dinner at Deepak Dhaba comprising mouth-watering makki ki roti and sarson ka saag with free supply of unlimited butter-milk. Deepak Dhaba wore a festive look at 9 pm. Deepak Dhaba is a busy 24x7 eatery catering to hungry people all the time.

[karmachakra]

Friends,

I have been travelling in North India for quite a few years. I thought of putting together all the eat out spots on the highways of North india. I did this write up for my blog foodie chatter. I thought it might be worthwhile to post this here for all of you to read. Do advise of other palces which i might have missed Out. Eager to hear your thoughts feedback and other places and hidden gems. Where to go and what to try out. Cheers

Highway Dhabha’s of North India: Delhi - Punjab - Himanchal



All right, this one is about dhabha’s. Now for majority of my readers, I am sure you would know what a Dhabha is, if you are from India and more specifically from North India. Well, for those, who don’t, Dhabha are basically road side eateries. If you are driving around in India on the highways and are feeling hungry, Dhabha’s are small places in the middle of nowhere, where you can come in stop your car, relax, take a break and have food.

Dhabha’s have evolved and modernized in the last decade themselves. I recall as a kid when I would travel with my dad, Dhabha’s always had a stereotyped image which has still stuck to my mind. On the highway, there is a large area on the side which is evened out , where cars come in and park. There are chaar payees with fatta’s for siting and relaxing. Then there is a small shop or sort of a room/ building where the cooking is done. There would be a hand pump by one side for people to go and wash their face/ hands. Behind the dhabha there would be large endless farms. Dhabha’s would also have a few trucks standing by the side, and truckers sitting down and devouring the food. Well so much for my image of a stereotyped image.

Over the years in all my travel across north India and to some extent, perhaps its only Punjab which goes well with the dhabha’s. If you are travelling down in UP, HP, Haryana, J&K or Rajasthan, they do have some road side eateries, but not the traditional dhabha’s. Dhabha’s for me has been a stereotyped Punjab thing.

Over the years, dhabha’s have modernized, have AC’s, serve continental cuisines, have shopping complexes etc. In fact the Dhabha’s became such popular concepts that even in the cities, there are restaurants which have opened, which try to recreate the ambience and concept of Dhabha.

Anyways, lets start with my write up of various eating out options as I travel from Delhi towards Ambala and Punjab. Usually we commence driving from Gurgaon at morning 6 or 7. After crossing Delhi as we drive on towards Panipat.

Haveli- Panipat, Karnal, Jallandhar

The first place for stopping is the Haveli. Haveli is a chain of restaurants, which have opened up at the Panipat, Karnal and Jallandhar. These restaurants are more concept based, which celebrate the dhabha concept in a stereotyped manner. It also focusses on the typical Punjabi villages and culture. If you are in a Haveli for the morning, try out their parantha’s, poori sabji’s and chai. For lunch, they have the full vegetarian punjabi fanfare.



Dal Makhani, Zeera Aloo , paneer makhani etc. You can have the thali’s as well. To be honest, the food is descent, tasty, and the bigger reassurance is that it is hygienic and clean. A good stop for anyone on this highway. At the Karnal joint, they have two sections, one for the regular food and lunch and the other for fast food. The fast food serves a chicken and cheese sandwich which is yum. This is not really a dhabha but a good place for a stop. They also have rooms for staying overnight at Karnal and some shopping options as well.

Murthal Parantha’s

As you approach Murthal, you will see a series of restaurant on your left while coming from Delhi. These dhabhas are large and are famus for their parantha’s. The likes of Ahuja Dhabha, Pahalwan Dhabha, Gulshan Dhabha. All these have been there for many years now. As a kid I recall going there to Gulshan Dhabha with my dad, and perhaps that is the one which was the original one for me. Over the years a number of them have opened up and no one knows which one is the original one. What to have here. The Tandoori Parantha’s. In variants of aloo(potato), pyaaz(onion), gobhi(cualiflwower), mooli (raddish). Have the regular tawa parantha’s or the tandorri parantha’s with loads of white or amul butter. Lovely and perfect. A must stop.

Karnal- Zilmil/ Karna Lake

If you are in Karnal, the first option is the haveli which I have already mentioned. For many years before when haveli was not there, the other option was the Haryana Tourism restaurant at Karna lake. Still old school and reminds you of the era in the 1980’s-1990’s when state tourism run joints were famous. For me they still remind me of the 80’s era, as they are still preserved in the same way. They may not be too popular these days in comparison to McDonalds, and Haveli’s, but pretty good Id say. A bit more relaxing and a good place to sit down, have a view of the lake and have parantha’s in the morning.

The other one at Karnal is the ZilMil Dhabha’s. Right on the highway, and more of a run of the mil dhabha, but perhaps closer to the real dhabha’s. The food is pretty descent. On one occasion while returning from Amritsar, we stopped here and tried the kadi, dal and the chicken curry and trust me, it was just about ok. A bit crude and nothing for me to come back again. I’d rather go to Murthal or to Karna Lake complex to be honest. My verdict is that its probably ok ok types.

Ambala: Puran Singh Da Dhabha & Deluxe Dhabha

As we drive further, the next city is Ambala. Well, at Ambala, there are two joints. Don’t take the flyover that goes over the city. Take the road below the flyover. Right opposite to the Ambala Cantt Railway station, there is Puran Singh Da Dhabha. Many years back as a kid in the 1980’s I remember visiting this joint with my dad when he was on his business tours. I recently visited a about 4 years back and somehow the shop with the white door and black filmed glass wasn’t around. On the contrary, there were a number of asli, real Puran Singh da Dhabha. There have been a number of shops which have spruced up and claim to be the real Puran Singh. I called up a few friends and apparently one of them was the real deal. Checking on the internet, it seems the real one as per Rocky and Mayurs Highway on my plate book, the real one is the Puran Singh ka Mashoor Dhabha. The ambience is not really great and it is more like a small store in the middle of the city. The cicken curry and mutton curry are recommended. The hygiene is pretty bad and I would probably recommend doing a take away.

The next joint in the vicinity is the Deluxe Dhabha. Again, right opposite the railways station, you see a road going in perpendicular. On that road, barely 100mts ahead, the deluxe dhabha is also a good one. Serving the chicken curry and the Sandhu Dal which is quite famous over here again. Staff Rd, Ambala Cantt, Ambala Sadar, Haryana 133001, India

Ludhiana: Zamindara Dhabha
Now as we move ahead of Ambala, there is an intersections for different places. One route is towards Chandigarh via Zirakpur and the other is towards Ludhiana onto Amritsar. Well if you keep moving on towards the Ludhiana highway, another dhabha worth recommending is the Zamindara Dhabha. This has always been a must stop for me and my dad way back in the 80’s and 90’s. The kadhi chawal, the sandhu daal. Must have. Although, like every other dhabha, it does serve the regular fare of choles, rajma, paneer etc. But good food. Recently when I searched for it, it is now called the New Zimidara Baba Neem Wala Dhabha. Well Highly recommended, and perhaps for retaining the same touch of a real dhabha and not having changed too much.

Towards Hoshiarpur: DS Dhabha and Hasiarpurian Da Dhabha
Another two Dhabha’s, which for me has been the find for the last few years is the DS Dhabha and Hoshiarpurian Da Dhaba at BP pump at Balachaur. When you drive ahead of Ambala, at the border of Punjab and Haryana, called the Shambhu Border, you will see a road going on the right hand side. Take this road and it goes from Banur, Kharar, Ropar. It by passes chandigarh and Mohali from the outskirts. At the intersection of ropar, there is a road on the left that goes towards Garh Shankar Balacahur. Take this road.

At Balachaur there is the Hoshiarpurian Da Dhaba at BP pump on the right hand side, when you are going from ropar towards hoshiarpur. What I can say about this place is to try out their famous kadhi pakoda. The distinguishing thing about this place is the barfi made from pure milk and their besann burfis from desi ghee. These are divine and out of the world.
As you move ahead on this highway, cross Garhshankar and move towards hoshiarpur. You will come across the DS Dhabha on your left side of the road. Man, this has been the find. Amazing food. I remember stopping here on my way to Dharamshala. The daal makhani, mix veg, and roti’s. Amazing. The chai was pretty good as well.

Delhi Shimla Highway NH 22.
If you go on the highway towards Shimla and Kasauli, then it is worth mentioning the small little shops that come out around before Kasauli. They are unique in the sense that they sell non vegetarian pickles- mutton and chicken pickles. I have been told there is a place called Tilli, where the pickle is really famous. But you can find it all thorough out this highway. You can stop taste and decide if you like it best. Going further ahead on the Shimla, just after the cut for Kasauli, you have Giani di Dhabha, which is famous for its lemon chicken.


These are probably the dhabha’s on the Punjab & HP highways that I love and recall. If you have any other dhabha’s worth sharing do let me know. As a true foodie, always looking out for the next place to try out. Perhaps in my next visit to India, I can go trying out and write about them and share the love.


http://foodiechatter.blogspot.com.au...dia-delhi.html

[mints21]

Hi karmachakra, I know of a small dhabha in a town kartarpur. This town is around 15 kms from Jalandhar on the Amritsar highway. The name of this small eatery is "Manohar ka Dhabha" on the main highway next to Magnolia hotel. The owner Manohar is an old guy and is best known to serve Dal Makhani with Tandoori Roti.

During my last visit to this dhabha, I saw the health minister of Punjab enjoying his meal. The owner or the dhabha is not pleasant looking but the food is awesome.

[GTO]

Mumbai-Nasik Highway:

Dhingra (highly recommended). Pure veg
Oye Punjabi. Outstanding Indian grub. So heavy, you'll fall asleep after a meal

Mumbai-Pune Highway:

Kinara Dhaba - With live music in the evenings
Sunny's Dhaba - Pricey, but worth it. A perennial favourite

Mumbai-Gujarat Highway:

Dara's Dhaba

[HighwayBuddha]

Hi colleagues and compatriots,

I know there are threads dedicated to Dhabhas, but couldn't find any post for NH45. Hence this. Mods - if inappropriate please take necessary action.

I am looking for good, hygienic and safe Dhabhas on NH45 : Chennai - Trichy - Dindigul - Kodai. Are there any? Please let me know. I am aware of the usual "Bhavans", but am looking for authentic N Indian Dhabbhas, having lived in Lucknow and being a great fan of highway dhabhas. Thanks in anticipation.

[ampere]

Originally Posted by HighwayBuddha

Hi colleagues and compatriots,

I know there are threads dedicated to Dhabhas, but couldn't find any post for NH45. Hence this. Mods - if inappropriate please take necessary action.

I am looking for good, hygienic and safe Dhabhas on NH45 : Chennai - Trichy - Dindigul - Kodai. Are there any? Please let me know. I am aware of the usual "Bhavans", but am looking for authentic N Indian Dhabbhas, having lived in Lucknow and being a great fan of highway dhabhas. Thanks in anticipation.

I am quite doubtful if you can get Dhabas on NH45. North Indian would be even more difficult unless you find one of those proper eat out hotels like A2B or some Biriyani joint within Dindigul.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by ampere

I am quite doubtful if you can get Dhabas on NH45. North Indian would be even more difficult unless you find one of those proper eat out hotels like A2B or some Biriyani joint within Dindigul.

There's an old saying, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. It does have a lot of relevance, especially in matters of the palate and alimentary canal.
When in South India and while travelling on the highways, I suggest you eat simple, tasty and safe local foods like Idli, Dosa, Vada and Pongal, Khara bath, Upma, Kesari bhath, Parotta, Kurma, Local versions of Biriyani etc.
These will be a more predictable experience rather than if you sample the local versions of Naan, Chappatti, Poori etc - notice the spelling of the latter two, I ve 'localized' them, to give you an idea.
Frankly if I were to blunder about the highways of Northern India, ever; and for example if I were to go to that lovely roadside Dhaba in Gajrola, near Moradabad, I would not waste my time asking for Dosas; I would much rather wallop their incomparable Aloo Paratha with oodles of butter and maybe some egg.

[HighwayBuddha]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

There's an old saying, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. It does have a lot of relevance, especially in matters of the palate and alimentary canal.

Thanks Ampere and Shankar.balan. actually I am as Roman as Romans get... and i am sure Resident Romans hate Italian food :-). meaning, I am a tamil, yet do not relish idli, dosa etc as much as I do punjabi food. the only time I miss south indian food is when I am a non-resident roman(when travelling) :-)

But, thanks all the same. guess there is not enough of folks like me to justify a dhabha in these parts. :-)

[selvagp]

I just did Chennai -Trichy - Dindigul - Pazhani. There is no dhaba on this route. I think I saw one in Trichy - Thanjavur route near Thuvakudi, Thats near the NIT. Authentic Dhaba here - well what can I say

[ampere]

Originally Posted by selvagp

I just did Chennai -Trichy - Dindigul - Pazhani. There is no dhaba on this route. I think I saw one in Trichy - Thanjavur route near Thuvakudi, Thats near the NIT. Authentic Dhaba here - well what can I say

And as you rightly said that dabba should have come up there to serve the NIT students, rather than highway guys! Any way we still gain.

Thanks for sharing.

[shankar.balan]

Originally Posted by HighwayBuddha

Thanks Ampere and Shankar.balan. actually I am as Roman as Romans get... and i am sure Resident Romans hate Italian food :-). meaning, I am a tamil, yet do not relish idli, dosa etc as much as I do punjabi food. the only time I miss south indian food is when I am a non-resident roman(when travelling) :-) But, thanks all the same. guess there is not enough of folks like me to justify a dhabha in these parts. :-)

Ha ha. Thats a good rejoinder mate.
I also love Punjabi and other Northern foods.
However, generally speaking, our Southern blokes in the hinterland always add their own twist to the Northern recipe. Sometimes it works and sometimes it can come badly unstuck!
The same goes for Northern blokes attempting to make Dosas or Idlys.