The
ambience at Dhaba is wonderful with rustic Indian setting complete with rustic
furniture and other interesting paraphernalia that one would associate with a
Dhaba on a highway. What caught my fancy was the local ‘tharra’ like bar
replete with coloured glass bottles et al and yes the Bollywood dance that the
staff does in between the meal sets you in the right mood.
Coming
to the food, we ordered a few dishes from the blackboard hung on the wall which
listed the specialities of the day! The beauty of the blackboard concept also
lies in the fact that the menu is changed on a daily basis.
That said, the a la
carte menu also offers an exciting selection of delectable kebabs, delicately
flavoured curries, aromatic Biryanis, robust meats and irresistible desserts
making this the perfect choice for a gastronomic indulgence. The good old
tradition of serving Chatpata Onion lachha, chutneys and pickles is present,
with a touch of royalty. The ‘Veg Galouti’ flavoured with cinnamon and
cardamom, ‘Tandoor roasted potatoes’ finished with spices, onions and Chaat
masala and the ‘Dhaba Murgh Gosht’ were absolutely succulent and I can easily
say that here, highway flavours reign supreme lovingly teased by charcoal
embers. The ‘Tiffin chicken’ is gleaming fresh, and a pleasure to eat with Ajwaini
parantha.
However the piece de resistance is the ‘Balti Meat’, a succulent lamb
specialty. For the main course if you are a vegetarian opt for the ‘Dal Dhaba’ simmered
to perfection in the most exotic spices or signatures like ‘Baingan ka
bhartha’, and ‘Amritsari wadi aloo ’. The bar is replete with the finest
selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; most interesting being the
‘tharra’ (read cocktail section). I simply loved ‘Toofan’ a delicious mix of
vodka, guava juice, coriander and spices. Your meal remains incomplete without
a heavenly helping of the dessert offering. To end on a sweet note go for the ‘Phirnee’
or the ‘Kulfi’. The restaurant had most of the tables occupied and it was a
good mix of domestic and foreign customers. The place is raucous most of the
time as it is well patronized. Chef Ravi Saxena, Corporate Chef, The Claridges
group personally overlooks the brand and researches continuously for
traditional recipes to add to the already amazing highway Dhaba repertoire. So
people, go desi at Dhaba for it is true refinement for the appreciative
Palette. All in all thumbs up!
FAST FACTS
Dhaba by Claridges is at
First Floor, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon.
For Reservations: 0124 4900155
Timings: 11
Am to 11 pm
Meal for two: Approx. 1,000
Published in Statesman
