Dhaba

Gulshan dhaba alwar road

What is a Dhaba?

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 for truckers to appealing to families escaping the urban bustle as well as trekkers and pilgrims.