Add one more Indian cuisine restaurant to your must-try list. Dhaba Lane, a popular name for North
Indian food lovers in the Karama-Bur Dubai belt has hopped on to the other side of the city – swanky
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT).
In the last few years, JLT, Marina and its neighbourhoods have welcomed a number of South Asian
outlets, most of which have originated in old Dubai. But that’s all the more reason to cheer since fans of Indian or Pakistani food now don’t have to trudge to a Karama or Deira for their fill of good kebabs or butter chicken.
And that brings us to the home-grown Dhaba Lane, a restaurant founded by entrepreneur Eti Bhasin,
that, true to its name, pays homage to the famed Dhaba cuisine in India in its interiors and menu.
Thus you are welcomed by an eclectic décor, comprising vibrant art on the walls by talented artist Snehita, colourful ceiling draping and cushions, chunky and quirky jewellery pieces paced artfully, the ubiquitous truck facade and bright lights. The detailing spill over to the presentation too, as seen in the dahi chaat which was interestingly served in an umbrella like bowl and the daal makhni served in a faux “well”. Both score high on the taste too!
The menu has been designed by award-winning chef Harangad Singh who has stuck to the tried-and-
tested and much-loved flavours sans any weird experimentation that have come to define Indian food in Dubai. However, some dishes deserve a special mention.
The mushroom galauti kebab hits the ball out of the stadium! Mildly spiced with a true melt-in-the-mouth consistency (just the way galautis are supposed to be!), this vegetarian version of what is essentially a meat delicacy, deserves full marks for innovation and execution. A trip to Dhaba Lane is worth it just for this one dish alone.
By comparison, the dahi kebabs, an eternal Delhi favourite, seemed a bit tame. A misstep from the otherwise great starters and drinks list, was the pani puri with guava spiced water, which didn’t work for us!
For the main course, all the palate-pleasers in the traditional flavours like Tandoori Murgh, Kadai Paneer, Martban Ke Chole, Murgh Masala Maarke and a range of paneer curries tempted the taste buts along with an array of desserts. The Ras Malai stood out!
In other words, Dhaba Lane has everything that a Punjabi food fanatic loves, so for New Dubai residents, here’s another comfort restaurant to go to (or order from), when the pangs of home food hit hard.
PS: if you are in the mood for something different, try their ‘Bahubali Bhature’. A 1-feet long and round Bhatura is paired with Chickpea Curry aka Chole and other condiments for Dh35. Order now!
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