Dhaba

In India and Pakistan highways are dotted with local restaurants popularly known as dhabas (singular: dhaba; {Urdu: ڈھابہ ). They generally serve local cuisine, and also serve as truck stops.

Food at a local Dhaba in Punjab.

In India they are most commonly found next to petrol stations, and most are open 24 hours a day. Since most Indian truck drivers are of Punjabi descent, and Punjabi food and music is quite popular throughout India, the word dhaba has come to represent any restaurant that serves Punjabi food, especially the heavily spiced and fried Punjabi fare preferred by many truck drivers.

The word has come to represent sub-continental cuisine so much that many Indian restaurants in Europe and America have adopted it as a part of the name.

Dhabas were characterized by mud structures and cots to sit upon (called 'chaarpai' in Hindi) while eating. A wooden plank would be placed across the width of the cot on which to place the dishes. With time, the cots were replaced by tables. The food is typically inexpensive and has a 'homemade' feel to it.

Etymology

The word has been alleged in folk etymology to stem from Punjabi dabba, m., box, lunch box, tiffin. Initial consonantal dh- does neither give rise to nor develops from consonantal d-.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Indian cuisine
• Irani café
• Tea stall
• Truck stop
• Greasy spoon
• Cha chaan teng Hong Kong Diner

External links

• An authentic Dhaba Mutton Recipe from Delhi
• http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gyani_ji_ka_dhaba&oldid=355639048
• The Dhaba - Rural India's slow-cooked, fast-served food
• http://friendsdhaba.com