Punjabi dhaba

A Punjabi dhaba is a roadside restaurant or cafe in either India or Pakistan featuring Punjabi cuisine. These are found on highways and on the outskirts of cities, towns, and villages. Dhabas were initially started by enterprising Punjabis to cater to the needs of truckers, who were also initially mostly Punjabis, for authentic wholesome, clean, and hot Punjabi food at any hour of the day or night. They typically offer 24/7 service.

Dhaba roadside eateries are now a common feature on the Punjab's national and state highways. Earlier frequented only by truck drivers, today eating at a Dhaba—urban or roadside—is a trend. Thus, Punjabi Dhaba has become a part of the culture of the Punjabi people.

It is said that "The Dhaba moves wherever a Punjabi goes." The first Punjabi Dhaba was probably established soon after the linking of the cities of India by highways (national, state and village roads). Though no records can be cited as to the first Punjabi Dhaba, it can reasonably be assumed that such restaurants first flourished along the Grand Trunk Road which ran from Peshawar in the Punjab (now in Pakistan) through Amritsar and Delhi to Calcutta.

There is now a large network of the Punjabi emigrant community worldwide, and many Punjabis have opened Dhabas in far lands (such as at service stations on the Trans-Canada Highway network). One joke goes that even if one were to visit the Moon, one might find a Punjabi Dhaba.[1].

Punjabi food served in Dhabas is wholesome and full of rustic flavour. Food is served on big brass thali (plates) and drinks – water, lassi, milk (of several varieties), or tea, as well as shorbas (soups) - are served in a 12-inch-long brass glass. Two types of food are served in the Punjabi Dhabas – the Non Vegetarian cuisine, which is the most popular, and the Vegetarian fare, which is termed Vaishno Dhabas where only vegetarian food is cooked in pure ghee or clarified white butter. Dal makhni, a shining blackish lentil named Urad or Mah is a popular dish in the vegetarian type of dhaba.

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Wikipedia