10 Highway Dhabas in India That Should be on Your Must-Visit List

Road trips are magical, right? Long conversations with friends and family while listening to songs and stopping at iconic dhabas for some lip-smacking food. Over the years, these dhabas have become an inseparable part of every road journey. Heavy paranthas and sabzis dripping in oil, served in traditional steel thalis with lots of onions and green chillis – an experience that no hotel can match.

Craving already? We’re listing some of the most popular dhabas across highways in India that you must visit on your next road trip.

1. Amrik Sukhdev

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It’s just impossible to talk about highway dhabas in India and not mention Amrik Sukhdev. What started out as a small, roadside eatery to cater to truck drivers has now become a popular destination for travellers, youngsters, and couples. True the open-air ambiance and traditional charpais have been replaced by swanky chairs and air-conditioned halls, but the flavour of the food remains intact. The Paranthas served here with loads of white butter and a big glass of Lassi are to die for.

Location: 250 Km Stone, GT Road, Murthal, Haryana

Cost for two: INR 400*

2. Chilika Dhaba

Located on NH5 in Odisha’s Barkul, this dhaba gets its name from the nearby Chilika Lake. While the seafood is a speciality here, this dhaba also serves up a variety of vegetarian delicacies cooked to perfection. The preparation is typical dhaba style, with generous use of spices and oil.

#MMTTravellerTip: Try the Giant Crab and Chilli Prawns at this Dhaba.

Location: NH5, Barkul, Odisha

Cost for two: INR 500*

3. Samaroh En Dees Dhaba

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On the way to Tezpur between Bhomoraguri and Sonitpur, this dhaba catches your attention with its colourful exteriors, bamboo construction, and lush green surroundings. Its homely ambiance adds to the comfort the moment you step in. Famous for its Assamese delicacies, you will fall in love with their signature dishes – Pigeon Curry and Aaloo Pitika.

Location: NH-37, Near Koliabhomora Bridge, Batamari, Kachari Pam, Tezpur, Assam

Cost for two: INR 350*

4. Cheetal Grand

Located on the Delhi-Dehradun highway, Cheetal Grand is quite popular among travellers. The dhaba has the look of a swanky restaurant with homely food. Enjoy a delicious meal here with Paranthas, Dal, Gobi Ki Sabzi, or Paneer. And if you prefer a western breakfast, go for Omelettes, Sandwiches, or Cutlets.

Location: Khatauli Bypass, NH-58, District Muzaffarnagar, Khatauli

Cost for two: INR 600*

5. Sharma Dhaba

On the way to Sikar from Jaipur, this dhaba is a popular stopover for anyone looking to savour authentic Rajasthani food. Apart from the delicious food that is prepared with freshest of ingredients, it’s the heart-warming hospitality of this dhaba that pulls the crowd. Try the famous Mawa Naan or the Mawa Roti here which is made with fresh cow milk.

Location: G-445 (I), Sikar Road No. 12, Vishwakarma Industrial Area, Jaipur

Cost for two: INR 500*

Read More: 6 Best Places to Sample Authentic Rajasthani Cuisine in Jaipur

6. Mr. Sanjay Dhaba

Imagine the thrill of binging on crispy Aaloo Paranthas with a cup of Black Tea while enjoying the views of the misty hills around. This small, concrete shack on the Leh-Srinagar highway is a popular stop-over among the bikers, truckers, and everyone else passing through these rugged terrains.

Location: Srinagar-Leh Highway (about 50 kms from Leh)

Cost for two: INR 300*

7. Sunny Da Dhaba

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If the name of this dhaba doesn’t get you excited, then its amazing highway location and the mouth-watering food will surely do. Located on the Pune- Lonavala road, this dhaba is a popular spot for Mumbaikars and Pune walas looking to binge on some scrumptious food away from the crowded cities.

#MMTTravellerTip: Try their famous Rajoli Kabab and Tandoori Pomfret and the heavenly Jalebi

Location: NH 4 Pune Road near Karla, Lonavala

Cost for two: INR 1,700*

8. Giani Da Dhaba

Located on the Shimla-Kalka national highway, this dhaba is famous for Punjabi food. Don’t be surprised if you meet people driving down all the way here just to enjoy a hot Parantha with a glass of chilled Lassi. When here, do try their famous Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani.

Location: NH-22, Kalka-Shimla Highway

Cost for two: INR 500*

9. Hotel Ummiya Annapurna Kathiyawad

If you are someone who believes there’s nothing better than a traditional and authentic meal, then this is the place for you. Located in Gujarat’s Anand district on NH8, this dhaba offers you a taste of Gujarat’s centuries-old Kathiawar cuisine which is produced seasonally and makes generous use of spices. But what makes this dhaba different from others is the use of firewood for cooking, which adds a unique flavour to it.

#MMTTravellerTip: Do try Lassan Aaloo and Besan Gatta.

Location: NH-8, Chikhodra Chowkadi, Anand, Gujarat

Cost for two: INR 500*

10. Bhajan Tadka Dhaba

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Located on NH24 in UP’s Gajraula, this dhaba retains the good-old feel of an authenctic dhaba with its thatched roof, charpais, and an overall rustic ambiance. Further adding to the charm of this place is the delicious food served here. Do not miss their famous Kadhi Pakora, Lachha Parantha, and Chana Masala.

Location: Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, Talwade, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra

Cost for two: INR 400*

Read More: 5 Food Experiences You Can Have Only In Mumbai​

*Prices are subject to change