Destination Dhaba: No-frills approach to delicious fare
24th Nov 2012
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A view of the Pal Dhaba, which has seen such celebrity clients like Rishi Kapoor, Sonu Sood, Mahi Gill, and more
way from the glare of publicity, Swarn Dhaba in Sector 30, Chandigarh, is famous for its clientele. A family-owned restaurant for 45 years, it was started by Swaran Singh from Balochistan (in Afghanistan) in 1972. He came to India after partition, settled in Jalandhar and finally came to Chandigarh to start a small food business in Bijwada (Now sector 22, Chandigarh). Almost five decades later, the dhaba is a thriving business with a loyal clientele. Says Swaran Singh, "Our sole motto is to serve our clients home food at affordable prices. We have only chicken-mutton, one dal, one sabzi and shahi paneer in the menu as we believe in quality than quantity."
The dhaba is open throughout the year and bizarre, as it may sound, non-veg is not served on Tuesdays and Navratras. Lunch is generally over by 3:30 pm and dinner by 9:30pm. "Most of our clients have been coming to our dhaba since its inception," explains a proud Singh. The dhaba serves around 300-350 people per day; 60% of them get their khana packed. Shahi paneer, and mushroom chops on Tuesdays are the specialties of the dhaba.
Another eat-out that hogs headlines every now and then is Deluxe Dhaba in Sector 28. It gained prominence when it served lunch to the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in June 2011. Deluxe Dhaba has footfall from all parts of the tri-city and Punjab. The menu boasts of more than 30 veg and non-veg dishes and the restaurant entertains home deliveries. Services are available from 11am to 11pm.
Manager of the dhaba says, "People go to a dhaba because they need a change from the daily food. They want food that is not very spicy and at the same time, delicious. Dhabas are affordable — two people can easily have a veg meal for Rs. 200." Though there are no special packages for parties and functions in the premises, facility of outdoor catering is offered to customers.
Next in the line of fame is Pal Dhaba in Sector 28. Established by Ashok Kumar in 1968, the dhaba has been running to a full house since inception. But when Bollywood actors came calling, the place became a landmark in the Sector. Talking about the clients, Mohinder Singh says, "Rishi Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Sonu Sood, Hard Kaur, Mahi Gill and various others are our regular customers."
Serving visitors at the Swarn dhaba
People are keeping away from hotels and turning to dhabas as they want quality food which is tasty and affordable. Around 400-500 people come to the dhaba every day. The dhaba has a workforce of around 40-45 people excluding members of the family. Employees of the dhaba are entitled to PF and medical insurance. Adds Singh, "Mutton rogan josh, keema kaleji, brain masala, karahi meat, paneer butter masala, chana masala, baingan bharta, dal makhani etc are our specialties."
Dhabas are no more considered a place just for middle-class families or for bachelors to feast. They are living testament that hygienic and sumptuous food can be sold at affordable prices.
http://www.sunday-guardian.com/young-restless/destination-dhaba-no-frills-approach-to-delicious-fare
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