A Dhaba is roadside Indian restaurant which are usually found on highways serving local cuisine. Known to be popular for Punjabi Food and Punjabi Music It is said that Dhaba moves where a Punjabi goes. And India being a country of mixed ethnicity and culture, Dhabas are spread all across India. And all of us have been to Dhaba, haven't we? Well If you haven't then I'm sure you're missing onto something really serious. Now I don't need to brag about the Dhabas and the experiences related to them but I must say that It is amazing to see how some of these Dhabas, which were once merely stopovers for travellers, have become destinations unto themselves. And, As I said earlier these Dhabas are usually meant to be located on Highways but I guess not anymore, they have moved to the cities, Inside the busy local streets and even on rooftops now.
One such beautiful Dhaba is located on the rooftop of Clover Hills Plaza, Near Dorabjee Super Market at NIBM Road alongside of Level 8 and FML Lounge. Decorated in a way that you doesn't miss onto getting a true feeling of dining at a Dhaba, they have spared every thought from their Architecture to Utensils, From the Paintings to Food, and what not. Being on a rooftop with many other restaurants, Dikhawa Dhaba is still a pretty spacious place and houses an Indoor and well as an Outdoor sitting area. I haven't been to a Dhaba or what look likes a Dhaba in a really time, but I would've really regretted an Important(can't find of any other words that fit in) Experience, which came to fruition when I was recently invited for a blogger's table here. Given below is a list of some of the amazing dishes that I got to try:-
SHORBA:-
Tamatar Dhaniya Shorba (139 INR):- I must say that this might not be no extraordinary Shorba but the flavours and taste of this Shorba has still got you covered.
Rajme ka Shorba (149 INR):- Trying the taste of Rajma(Kidney Beans) might not be a new thing for me but It was fairly a fresh dose to the same experience. Every sip of the shorba brings about the taste of Rajma to your tastebuds in a whole new avatar.
STREET FOOD:-
Aloo Papdi Chaat (119 INR):- I can't belive coming from North, I haven't had Aloo Papdi Chaat in such a long time but I'm sure the wait was worth its while. I can say that I wouldn't have wanted to have it anywhere else if not at Dikhawa Dhaba.
Dahi Bhalla (139 INR):- Again, Dahi Bhalla is a very popular dish and I've grown up in the parts of Bihar where Holi to us meant Dahi Bhalla. Although I never was fond of it, According to the rumors My Mom makes delicious Dahi Bhallas. And According to the same rumors I use to eat it, sip it, drink it till I was found to lick my fingers. And, Another rumor says that If I wasn't aware of the fact that more dishes were about to come, I might have done the same to the one here.
APPETIZERS:-
Tandoori Bhuna Aloo (279 INR):- Immediately reminded me of Jhal Murhi( a popular snack from Bihar), I couldn't stop talking about this one over the table as I remember. The spices does a magic to the indulgent Bhuna Aloo recipe.
Bharwan Kumbh (279 INR):- Now I'm not gonna explained the whole thing about how or why I couldn't fall in love with Mushroom as much but I must say despite of every fact that I have told you guys on my blog earlier, I honestly fell in love with these Cheesestuffed Mushroom Kebabs.
Palak Paneer Seekh (299 INR):- Minced Spinach and Cottage Cheese Kebab with Cashew Nuts are simply amazing.
Khade Masale ka Paneer Tikka (299 INR):- Whole Garam Masala are called Khada Masala (Whole Spices). The actual translation of Garam Masala means “hot” & “mixture of spices”. However the hot does not refer to the intensity of the spices, rather it refers to the fact that the spices raise the heat of your body by increasing your metabolism. Whilst there are huge variations, the typical garam masala will contain black & white peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, black & white cumin seeds and black, brown and green cardamom pods. A simple yet so complicated blend of so many spices are bound to bring about a flavourful twist to the simple Paneer Tikka that we've been having all our lives and I swear, So It did.
Sikandari Paneer Tikka (299 INR):- While I wasn't done bragging about the first Paneer Tikka recipe, Another one was sitting on out table. Sikandari Paneer Tikka were no ordianry tikkas either being served with chopped onions, tomato, green chilli, green capsicum, coriander and cashew nuts and hung curd.
Tandoori Malai Broccoli (279 INR):- This was one of the best starters we had. Even if you ignore my never ending love for Broccoli, the Cream and Cheese marinated Broccoli starts to melt into your mouth with every bite.
Tandoori Ganga Jamuna (269 INR):- I'm not gonna lie when they told me I had no idea what they're gonna bring to the table and I did laugh at the name. But Omg the taste took all the jokes away, because these Stuffed Aloo, Capsicum and Tomato with different flavors is no funny business.
Dahi ke Kebab (279 INR):- These Hung Curd and Cottage Cheese Tikkis is exactly as delicious as it sounds.
MAINS:-
Paneer Dumpling Makhani (349 INR):- These were the delicious Cottage Cheese Dumplings in a Makhan enriched Tomato and Cahsew Gravy.
Vegetable Jhalfarezi (299 INR):- I loved this, Mix veggies with Capsicum, Onion, Tomato and Makhni Sauce is all about its magical spices.
Daal Makhani (339 INR):- This is literally something that can savor your flavor all day long. Trust me when I'm saying that I'm okay if you don't give me anything else and I can finish and entire bowl of this dal and maybe ask for more lol.
Paneer Lababdar (319 INR):- Cottage Cheese and Bell Peppers in Tomato Gravy is a total drool-worthy preparation.
Banarasi Kofte (329 INR):- The Koftas in aniseed laced Cashew Curry is not just a different take of the dish in terms of taste but health too. While the presence of ansieed in a lip-smacking curry simply helps in cultivating the flavors, It also uplifts and enhances its health benefits considering the numerous medicinal purposes of aniseed.
RICE:-
Kashmiri Pulao (299 INR):- I may not have liked it because of the sweetness of the rice because of the presence of fruits and berries, but this Pulao could do wonders with a little less fruits and little more dry fruits like almonds and nuts(hazelnuts, cashewnuts, etc.)
Peas Pulao (239 INR):- This Pulao is a living proof that just adding a few peas in your rice, or jeera rice can make it way more interesting.
I'm not gonna lie, I did miss the non-vegetarian food here but not because the vegetarian food is not good atleast the way they make it here is nothing but mouth-watering. But simply because if they make Vegetarian Food so scrumptious I wonder if there Non-Veg would be literally finger-licking. The brightly coloured walls,the tables and the delicious food at this dhaba is sure to transport you to the land of Punjab. Now I know everyone hates spoilers, So I'll leave the rest to yourself for hogging with your friends or family at this beautiful place.
Thank You Sharvari Manakwad and Milestone Pune for extending the invite and Thank You Team Dikhawa Dhaba for hosting us.
