Travellers’ Delight – Dhaba Moga Punjabi Tadka on NH 24

As we exited to the highway NH24, all three of us were quite famished. So the first thing on our minds was breakfast. However, we realised that relaying of the newer highways pushed the old dhabas off and away.

So, I kept driving on and ultimately managed to stop at my favourite pitstop Moga Dhaba NH24. This dhaba is also known as Moga Punjabi Tadka Dhaba Gajraula.

So why do you have to be vigilant. This highway is quite popular for it’s dhaba business. Due the same reason you may come across several Moga dhaba on both sides of the highway.

So, to not to miss this specific dhaba, you’ll need to cross the toll after the Garh Mukteshwar bridge and look out for the Moga bi-pole signage in a kilometre to your left.

Moga dhaba signage on nh 24 – where to stop

This was the third time in last two years, I had seen its frontage (actually the terrace) under construction, but that did nothing to the intention to eat our brunch.

First, after parking the truck (Tata Safari Storme), three if us entered the washrooms and the mood changed, the area was immaculately clean and smelt quite fragrant.

The washrooms apart from being cleaned were managed by an present attendant and are properly tiled, clean and well maintained which on a highway is a boon particularly for ladies.

After doing our chores, we stepped out and entered the sparsely filled but clean dining area where we were immediately seated, served water and presented us with the menu.

This region is home to the tandoori roti and naans (bread made in a clay tandoor oven), stuffed parathas (flaky Indian bread with different kinds of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fillings) and kulchas (bread made from the fermented dough).

Out of these Moga Punjabi Tadka Dhaba NH24 is preferred for its tandoor and pure vegetarian food. However, they do serve eggs too, but nevertheless.

Dhabas – derived from the Hindi word “dabba”, meaning “lunchbox” – are highway cafes and eateries that pepper Indian roads like confetti.

Dhabas have come to define a culture centred on food. For me, however, they will always remain culinary signposts of unforgettable family-style meals marked by joy and camaraderie.

Dhabas were the original flag bearers of sustainable and responsible businesses much before the term as well as their food became fashionable.

Just as dhaba food has been reinterpreted, the dhabas of today have evolved from catering primarily from truckers to appealing to families escaping the urban bustle.

They are also preferred by trekkers and pilgrims, just like they were with the starving three of us.

The humble menu at Moga Dhaba promises Punjabi dishes crafted from fresh ingredients and home-made masalas. The food here is served as fast as you can drive your car.

1. 1. Dal Punjabi Tadka – A humble order of Dal Punjabi Tadka (a spicier ‘chhaunkh’ with a lot of garlic, ginger and desi ghee). This dal has a fantastic taste and is served in a small metal bucket. Though, my bucket didn’t have a handle but as per me, this dish of lentils always makes for a well deserved halt. So, please go for it and tell them that I said so.
   2. Paneer Kali Mirch – It came to my table for first time. It is one of the lesser known, but equally tasty paneer gravy spiked with black pepper. It was a dish with soft and succulent cubes of paneer steam-cooked in the most sensuous black pepper gravy.
   3. Breads – We ordered three types of breads – tandoori roti, missi roti and an aloo pyaz ka paratha. All of these were light and crisp, yet soft. My compliments to the guy handling their tandoor. He never get this wrong.

I have to accord a special mention to their delicious “pickled green chillies achar & their well immersed pickled vinegar onions” which are provided complimentary on all tables.