Pind Balluchi

Location: Bangalore, MG Road (Garuda Mall)

Pind Balluchi was my favorite punjabi food spot in Noida. I used to frequent it often with my buddies and was never once disappointed with this joint.
Today while strolling around in Garuda Mall, I just happened to pass by it. The familiar big red neon sign with the sardar ji sitting under it with his lathi, activated my dormant taste buds.
Seeing one of my fav joints right in front of me made me crave for its food. I stood there reading its menu at the door. Just then a set of customers walked out of the restaurant ... I caught a glimpse inside; of the familiar sights, smells. Just then, at that moment the deal was sealed! I went right in and asked for a 'table for two'!

Here's a splash of the splendid meal we had:

A warm welcome! 

Confusion written across face. Kya order karen? Everything looks splendid!

Rubbing hands together with glee. Eager to get started!

Getting started with 'Dahi ke Kebab'. Really Really gooood

A closer look. Great preparation ... what an amazing invention this is

Kadai Paneer with Roomali Roti

Aam Panna concocted to perfection

A dash of colors to celebrate the food!

Pappu On The Highway

Location: Delhi-Agra Highway (NH2)

Dhabas are one of the best things about North India highways. Imagine going out with friends in the middle of the night and stopping  for parathe and chai . Or travelling between cities and stopping by for a hearty punjabi meal. Having food in the open at a dhaba during winters adds charm to the whole experience. This is something you cannot do down South.

The highways are dotted with clusters of little dhabas. Some great and some well … meh. Someone not familiar with the dhabas might land up at a very okay-ish kinda place and ruin the experience. So, all you lovely people reading this post, let me enlighten you.

The Delhi-Agra NH-2 was the most frequently travelled by me. It was mostly on the weekends with a bunch of friends. Stopping for food was a must.

The first choice from the plethora of dhabas for us was the Pappu Dhaba located midway between Delhi and Agra. Now you have to understand that there is loads of competition among these joints so there can be variations of pappu dhaba. So, be careful and go to the Asli Pappu Dhaba. That’s the authentic. Be prepared to wait for 10-15 mins for a table and another 15-20 mins for food. You might get lucky someday ;-)

Speciality here are the Parathas! You can order Tandoori or Tawa. And choose between Aloo, Gobhi, Paneer, Mix Veg., Onion, Mooli etc. etc. Huge in size, very rich in taste and soaked in ghee …  it’s how I can best describe them. Add a dollop of butter on top if you may :-p. They go very well with Dal Makhani and Curd. Of course a plateful of Tandoori rotis and Paneer are the people’s choice at any dhaba. And after all the food is eaten and gone, a glass of Chai is something you shouldn’t miss. Check out the menu on the left.

Easy on your pocket and great in taste, dhabas make up for one of the best gastronomical delights in northern India. I simply love them and always always visit one on my trips to UP/Delhi.

Some other great dhabas on NH2 are: Haveli (on way to Chandigarh), Gulshan (Delhi-Agra), Murthal (on way to Chandigarh), Sureya (Delhi-Agra, near Palwal), Akashdeep (Delhi-Agra, near Sikandara)

So HOMP at Pappu ...