Have You Tried The Big Fat Punjabi Menu At This Restaurant In Nungambakkam?

Not only do we love the quirky ambience and good vibes at Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi in Ispahani Centre, but their latest winter menu is worth a mention. Find out what loved!

As soon as you walk into Dhaba on the ground floor in Ispahani, the loud décor and Hindi music from the 90s is sure to cheer you up no matter what mood you’re in. The vibe here is very “oye happy, happy oye” and we love it! The three floored restaurant is so quirky and colourful; there’s table tops with Snake and Ladders printed on them, tyres on the wall, dhaba-esque paintings and get this – an actual truck on the third floor! Get in there, pretend to be a truck driver and pose for the best photos with the gang and make your Insta-feed poppin’!

The mocktails absolutely won us over – we got to try different coloured desi drinks in small glasses that came in a cute little cart. The Shikanji (traditional lemonade from the north), Rangeela (made from passion fruit and lime) is so refreshing! The chatpata Kaala Khatta and Aam Panna (delish dose of green mango) shouldn’t be missed either.

Non-vegetarians, start off with the Latpati Murgh Tangdi at INR 399. Delicious chicken drumsticks with onion and green chillies – the masala is packed with flavours and this dish is a must-have. You could also try the Karaari Pomfret (hello, karimeen my old friend) – giant crispy silver pomfret that’s shallow fried in a yummy marinade. A picture of this is surely going to go on Insta.

For mains, have the corn-based roti or the roti with laal mirchi and pair it off with their creamy and colourful array of curries. There’s Methi Mattar Malai and Sarson Ka Saag with mustard leaves tossed in garlic onion and spices. Carnivores can gorge on their mutton dishes. There’s Dilli Ki Nihari with succulent pieces of goat meat slow cooked with spices and even rose petals! You could also try the Amritsari Paya a buttery gravy of goat trotters and spices. Oh, there’s also Kaleji Gurda Tak A Tak – marinated goat liver and kidney – we weren’t adventurous enough to try this. But those who have an offal craving, give it a try and let us know, yeah?

Even one of the desserts is something adventurous – try the potato and pineapple combo Aloo Anannas Halwa – or if you prefer a classic like us – have the yummilicious Gajrela.