Punjabi Dhaba Elkhorn restaurant and bar — Restaurant in Morse

We happened to come to rural Morse on our way to Calgary from Regina, to fill up on gas, and all the signs along the road leading to Morse had me curious, due to the 'Punjabi Dhaba' element. I couldn't resist insisting we stop over for lunch. They start serving at 1pm. They have an eclectic menu for ALL but I was interested in their Punjabi fare, as to find something out in the middle of the highway, was like finding a jewel in the hay. Well its a jewel in the hay for sure!! The service was outstanding. The time to get food was fairly quick. I have to say, their food was leaps and bounds more flavourful and nuanced than most Indian restaurants in 'Little India' in Toronto. Nuanced and layered flavours. Even their garlic Naan bread was less thick than other places that just serve the doughy version, but this had so much more flavour and was still the perfect vessel for the curry. I ordered the Saag Paneer, being a spinach fan, and the Paneer was the most amazing texture of chew, but also creamy. The curry itself was out of this world. I had leftovers, the quantity was so much. We also ordered the Lamb curry and it was unreal. To go with the curries, we tried the Chicken Biryani, which was really yummy. Any Biryani is really some protein mixed with rice and veggies and Indian spices. You can't go wrong. We added the Raita (typical yogurt with minced tomatos, cucumber and onion ) to cool down our palettes which is really a condiment and adds to the flavours. Now....when ordering....you should go for the 'spicy' version (they will ask...or you should state it) and not 'regular'....because spicy means its the authentic flavour. ITS not off the charts hot on your tongue---just the real deal. Regular is for people who are timid, at best. Don't be timid:). Trust me....Their dishes are served in lovely copper pots with matching spoons. A lovely touch. So that was alot of food for two people, along with about 4 beers, hence the price point. Well worth it. You can do much less, or even order from the other menu. The ambiance is somewhat dated, and lack lustre, but who cares right? You're really in a Rural place, and its the food and service that mattered. Even some of the beer drinkers around us were super curious about what we were eating - so hopefully we turned them onto trying the 'real deal'...

I am a disabled senior who dined in "Punjabi Dhaba" recently Four of us arrived, (2 seniors and 2 milenials) - at first we're the only patrons present. 3 men and a woman (staff? .... Owners?) were sitting on the right of the door as we came in. Zero welcome. Not even a smile. (In fact we felt like children interrupting adults conversation.)

So..We looked around and seated ourselves. Two of us needed a bathroom visit. We found the undulating floor difficult to navigate and in our opinion it presents a definite health hazard for disabled people like me. This should be rectified. In the washroom all was sticky underfoot, the countertop was grubby and there was no toilet paper. Not ideal.

On our return to the table, a man got up and brought us menus and cutlery. The menus themselves really needed a wipe down and out of our tableware, two forks and a knife were dirty. We used the napkins to wipe them down and ordered pop in the can so as not to avoid using any more glasses. (In fact the whole premises would benefit by a deeper clean in our opinion). Both salt and pepper shakers were empty so we raided from the tables around us.

It took some time to be fed and our meal was served by a waiter who hardly said one word to us. The food was adequate but lacked flair. The desert menu was glaringly disappointing by its absence.

As seniors, we are on a very tight fixed income. In retrospect, for what should have been a special occasion it was very disappointing to leave a restaurant knowing I could have done better at home..

We are not planning to return, but wish them well and hope our feedback improves the experience for...

I have tasted snacks and tea from here. I found Indian snack ( Bread Pakoda non stuffed) with chat masala spreaded on it....tasted yummy....!! Typical Punjabi Shaba style pakode. Tea was good, but it can be better than its current version, value for money. Small place in small town, but neat and clean.... Washrooms ....I found clean which is major concerned for long distance travelers about roadside pit stops. Other travelers were also coming and picking up their orders. Only concern is off set from highway, and small parking for trucks ( long haulers). Staff is humble and kind. Because of bread Pakoda I rated 4 star. For tea and location I deducted 1 star, but with time it will improve. Best wishes to...