Hearty, Tasty North Indian Fare At Danny Lamba’s Punjabi Dhaba

Get your typical dhaba-style comfort food without having to hit up a dusty highway.

Tandoori Chicken, Paneer Tikka, Rajma, Aloo Tikki

Jal Jeera, Lassi

Casual dhaba set up and hot, fresh food with real flavour and not embellished by colour.

This one is just a shutter-shop with seating outside too. There’s nothing really glamorous about it, but then again you don’t go here for that. So plastic chairs, folding tables and Kachua Chaap {remember the mosquito coil of yore?} are all you’ll get.

Snacks range from pakodas and papad {hello, spicy Masala Papad} to the greasy goodness of Manchurian and Chilly Paneer or chicken. But our vote goes to the mildly-spiced Paneer Tikka and Aloo Tikki which literally melts in the mouth. Make sure you dip both in the in-house amazing pudina chutney. Oh! And of course, load up on chicken tikka. Nicely grilled, it has the smoky flavour of the tandoor – a treat when compared to the synthetic flavours we’re used to.

Tandoori Chicken here must be at the top of your list. Forget the half, you’ll want more after you finish the full one. But share it, as the Afghani Chicken Tikka, in a light creamy marinade, also vies to top spot. Shammi Kebab goes down well here as the mince is very fine. We love that they keep it marinated for a few hours so the meat really takes on the spices. You can even taste the cashew in it! Sarson Ka Saag, Rajma and Paneer Achari win it for us in the veggie department. In fact, we even recommend ordering Rajma Chawal with a Butter Chicken and calling it a day!

But we’re greedy, so add on some Dal Makhani {very close to the real Bukhara one}, Chicken Lahori {complete with garam masala and the divine hints of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and peppercorn} and a couple of kadak rotis and you’re sorted. Even the mutton version of the Lahori is great to have with Methi Paratha or the simple Jeera Rice. Wash it all down with sweet or salt lassi in a massive glass, or pick the lighter but equally refreshing Jal Jeera – it’ll help with settling the tummy after a tuck-in!

This one is going down in our books for when we’re craving authentic Punjabi food minus the fuss and frill. And of course when we’re feeling broke but fabulous.

They have set meals for lunch, including Rajma-Chawal, Dal-Roti-Curry, or even more elaborate ones that throw in starters and drinks too.

Where: 17, BDA Complex, Off Double Road, Indiranagar

Contact: +91 9343775155

Price: INR 600 for two {approx.}

Timings: 11am – 3.30pm and 7pm – 11pm. Closed on Mondays.

Find them on Facebook here.