Dhaba, colloquially speaking, conjures up images of a small thatched structure, with a dozen odd exhausted truck drivers, resting on chaarpayis (cots); some chatting over cups of cutting chai … some feasting upon delectable local food to fill ’em up for the remainder of their journeys.
In the background, one sees the dhaba chef cum owner, relentlessly cooking; tandoors brimming with smoke, earthen pots full of cholesterol-laden dal makhni …
This sight, this experience, and this vibe are seldom seen or felt in the urban centres. In a commendable attempt to bring the essence of dhabas, to the urban masses, right in the middle of a mall, Dhaba by Claridges kickstarted a Street-Food festival, in their restaurant at DLF Place Mall, Saket.
Amidst the bustling crowd of college-freshers shopping madly for their first week in college, we followed the distinct scent of delectable Punjabi food, which had already enveloped the 2nd floor of the mall.
On entering the restaurant, the sight of an elaborately decorated truck greets you. Take a moment to admire the appealing and intricate interiors!
Now, let’s shift our focus to the food straightaway.
Let’s start off with dishes you must go for. Our hot favourite was the traditional fried Amritsari Fish- fried and spiced to perfection, the tender fish was an absolute delight to start off with.
Next, try out the Vada-Pav, which was by far the most flavourful of all vegetarian snacks served there. On similar lines, the Pav-Bhaji, served in tiny katoris, were lip-smacking delicious too. The most admirable thing about this particular snack was the use of a deep-fried, crispy Pav. (5-stars on innovation!).
Back to Non Vegetarian treats: Another stupendously cooked snack served was the Non Veg Galauti kebab- perfect texture, and melts instantaneously on one’s tongue. The mini-naan bread, which it was served on, balanced out the spice perfectly; which gives one all the more reasons to go back for seconds.
If you’re up for something safe, try out the butter-soaked omelette-buns and omelette toasts! Mind you, as simple and basic as they may sound, these two snacks go excellently with the mood and ambience of the place. So, we highly recommend these.
Paneer lovers are in for a treat, as the Masaaledar Paneer they’re serving is a splendid mix of spicy flavours and tenderness.
Lastly, there’re the usual samosas, which were well made, and the potato ‘n peas inside were flavourful; and bhuna-aloo, served in shot-glasses (full marks on creative presentation here!).
But do look out for these:
Steer clear off the Veg Galauti kebabs. Not only was the taste of the mixed vegetables out-of-synch, but also the texture of the kebab was rubber-like and chewy! So give this one a miss. Another avoidable dish was the Masaaledar Murgh- the spice was disproportionate, and the chilly completely masked out the flavour of the chicken itself.
Apart from the elaborate number of food items, being served to us all, the restaurant made sure our tongues were treated to the rich heritage of desi tharras too! The seven tharras they’re serving (only 5 are being served currently, since 2 flavours are seasonal) are modern renditions or interpretations of traditional drinks enjoyed by the locals up in Punjab. As suggested by one of the chefs there, try a little bit of all drinks, to give your taste buds an exotic trip across 4~5 drinks. Once again, here’s a brief guide regarding which ones to drink, and which to ditch!
Go for ‘Somras’ (Aam Ka Panna with Vodka) and ‘Toofani’ in the cocktail list. They both have a robust, tangy taste, perfectly balanced with the mint and a tinge of alcohol.
The regrettable drinks were the ‘Gulaabo’ and ‘Paan Mojito’.
If you wish to play it safe, go for the much-loved ‘cutting-chai’. Or a draught beer: it accompanies kebabs really well.
Food and drinks aside, the restaurant had a few fun activities and surprises planned for all too! If you’ve been a regular at Dhaba, you’d be familiar with their custom of the waiters breaking into a surprise dance! They turn up the energy levels, and make the ambience electric time ‘n again with their bhangraa! And how’s a Punjabi experience complete without a Panjaa-fight? Roll up your sleeves, gulp down a shot, and face off against a random opponent in a game of arm wrestling! It was this attention to detail, by the people at Dhaba, that more than made up the fiascoes of a drink or two.
Time for the final verdict now. At this point, it’s fit to state that the creativity of the chefs must be lauded. True, that some drinks or snacks didn’t turn out to be captivating enough; but that’s what makes the food experience adventurous.
If someone were to ask us whether we’d want to go there again, we’d say a confident YES!
It was an evening when the young, and the old shared laughs and hugs together; unwinding and having a good time.
And that’s probably what Dhaba had set out to achieve: smiles galore!
TYS NOTE:
Time: 3 pm – 7 pm
Cost: Vegetarian- Rs. 275 Non Vegetarian- Rs. 225 (Applicable Taxes Extra)
Unlimited Soft beverage Top-up at Rs.99
Foster’s Draught Beer at just Rs.99
