Travelling is always fun and so is the food while moving along the road. It is amazing to see the changing demography, weather, people and cuisines on the way, so much so that you feel like capturing every moment as it is. The best part about travelling is undoubtedly food and you may agree, different cities bring along a distinct flavour of foods. And what better than Dhabas on highway representing these flavours?
1. Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba, Murthal
Amrik Sukhdev is one of the best and most popular dhabas near Delhi. The place is simply magnetic; that is if you are travelling on the Delhi-Haryana highway, you are bound to stop by and have their food. The dhaba is as big as a food court where you can savour Indian cuisine. Amrik Sukhdev is mostly known for its amazing paranthas served with a spoonful of butter. If you are planning to travel, do stop by and have a finger-licking meal!
- Where: 52, 250 KM Stone, G.T Road, Murthal, New Delhi
- Cost for Two: INR 400 (approximately)
2. Cheetal Grand, Delhi-Dehradun Highway
It may be a restaurant, but Cheetal Grand on the Delhi-Dehradun Highway is one place that you must visit if you are on the highway. From the traditional dal, sabzi, roti, chawal to grilled sandwiches and cold coffee with ice cream, you name it and you get it! A neat restaurant with nice ambiance and surroundings, Cheetal, situated at as short distance from Khatauli, Muzzafarnagar can be a great food haunt. Try the tubular omellette and also the paneer pakodas here.
3. Puran Singh Da Dhaba, Ambala
This one’s a perfect haven for non-vegetarian lovers. This dhaba is known for its Keema Kaleji, Kebab, Chicken Curry and Mutton Curry with kadak Tandoori Roti. It may not have a fancy ambience, but it is surely a perfect bet for a hearty meal. Many replicas of the dhaba have been opened nearby, but you can easily recognise the original one; the crowd says it all. Also, the original one gets closed by 4:00 pm. This place is an absolute delight. Don’t think about the ambiance once you are here or else you will miss out on a great place to eat in Punjab!
- Where: Ambala Cantonment
- Cost for Two: INR 450 approximately
4. Haveli, Karnal
Located on GT Road, Karnal NH the Haveli gives a wholesome experience of a dhaba. Architecturally designed to give the vibes of a dhaba along with an amusement park in the structure. A bit different from how dhabas usually are but this has to be on the list. The crazing for authentic Punjabi food is satisfied here. It is a popular stop being so big in size on a highway it does attract people to stop and look but the taste is up to the mark. The rustic influence on the exterior and interior décor of the restaurant adds to the fame of the place and an amusement park for kids is yet another asset here. The menu offers a range of options, from Dal Makhani to Stuffed Paranthas and Lassi, where each and everything is made with love. Also do not forget to try their jalebis. The charpais and local dance performances are bound to make your weekend getaway just perfect.
- Where: GT Road, Karnal
- Cost for Two: INR 400 (approximately)
5. Sharma Dhaba, Jaipur-Sikar Road
Located on the Jaipur- Mumbai highway, this dhaba gives you the taste of Rajasthan in one plate. Food here is pure vegetarian and must tries are the famous Mawa Naan or the Mawa Roti here which is made with fresh cow milk. The dhaba has so much popularity that it has two seating areas one in the front beside the road and one behind in a garden. Its crowd pleasing service is acclaimed of by the travellers visiting. There are two dining areas that you can choose from, one is just off the road and other is in the backside and is known as Sharma Garden. Try Paneer Butter Masala, Malai Matar, Missi Roti and Dal Tadka here.
6. Ummiya Annapurna, Anand District Gujarat, NH 8
This eatery is near the bypass that connects the new expressway in Gujarat; well technically it is still on NH 8 in Anand district. However, you don’t need a reason to visit this incredible place! Serving you the right taste of Kathiyawad (precisely beckons SPICE AND CHILLI, unlike Gujarati cuisine). The food here is prepared over wood fire, thus expect rustic flavour in everything that you eat. You must try lassan aaloo, besan gatta and sev tamatar with rotla (local bread) here.
7. Sunny da dhaba, Old Mumbai-Pune Highway
Go to spot for Mumbaikars and Pune walas to enjoy the yummy meals of Sunny da dhaba outside the city. It builds as a different experience when your mouth water for dhaba food the drive to get there creates another level of hype which this dhaba lives up to. The tin-shed Dhaba with long decorated tables and some out of the box food will leave you awestruck. You are going to love Rajoli Kabab, Tandoori Pomfret, Dal Bati and Jalebi here.
8. Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba, Kolkata-Digha Road, NH 6
Sher-e-Punjab is situated on the National Highway between Kolkata and Digha and is known for hoisting the Punjabi flag high in West Bengal. It is one of those well-maintained highway restaurants-cum-Dhabas that serve some really lip smacking food. You would like to try the mixed platter and chicken tikka masala here.