Old Pal Dhaba- Best Mutton In Chandigarh/ Best Chicken/ Best Veg Restaurant/ Best Non Veg in Chandigarh — Restaurant in Chandigarh

Review of Old Pal Dhaba, Chandigarh

Old Pal Dhaba is a legendary spot in Chandigarh for those seeking authentic Punjabi flavors. Known for its rich history and soulful food, it has carved out a niche among locals and visitors alike. Here's an in-depth review:

Ambience

The dhaba offers a simple, no-frills dining experience that focuses on good food rather than elaborate decor. The seating is modest, giving it a traditional, homely vibe. It’s a bustling spot, especially during peak hours, reflecting its popularity among food lovers.

Food

The food at Old Pal Dhaba is the star of the show. Specializing in Punjabi delicacies, the menu boasts flavorful dishes like Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, and Kadhai Paneer. The portions are generous, and the rich, creamy gravies are perfectly spiced. Their tandoori rotis and naans are fresh and pair excellently with the curries.

One standout is the Butter Chicken, often hailed as one of the best in Chandigarh. The meat is tender, cooked to perfection, and bathed in a luscious tomato-based gravy with just the right hint of sweetness.

Service

The service is quick and efficient, even during busy hours. The staff is courteous and ensures that guests are well taken care of. However, given the high demand, you may need to wait for a table, especially during weekends.

Pricing

Old Pal Dhaba is incredibly budget-friendly, offering great value for money. The quality and quantity of food make it a top choice for affordable dining in Chandigarh.

Drawbacks

Being a dhaba, it might not cater to those looking for a fine-dining experience. The seating can feel cramped, and the ambience might not appeal to everyone. Parking can also be a challenge due to its location.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Old Pal Dhaba is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Punjabi food in Chandigarh. It’s a place where the focus is entirely on delivering delicious, satisfying meals. While it may lack the trappings of a modern restaurant, it more than compensates with its incredible flavors and...

Short version : Bad place which piggybacks on past fame.

"oh. So you haven't been to Pal dhaba"

There is a an attraction created for this establishment by the dozens of celebrities who have visited it. Which is precisely why I went.

Usually as my experience goes, these once-popular places had been probably very good when the 1st generation managed business. Over the years and with pressure to increase scale, the taste is sacrificed. Usually but not always.

All said. We had to go. And we did.

We ordered the obvious chicken butter masala. Apart from mutton seekh and tandoori rotis. A lassi too because Punjab.

To my utter disappointment and even though I walked in with low expectations (given what I wrote above about these famous places), I found the food quite below average.

I learn cooking from mom & YT videos. I am a mile away from any cooking expertise. But Believe me, I can make better butter chicken anyday. I can any day.

What was wrong : the chicken pieces aren't done in a tandoor. So the smoky flavour is missing. The chicken pieces seem to have been boiled separately and kept aside. Combined with a readymade gravy and simmered together to finish. May be, to tackle scale of orders. In effect, the flavour hasn't seeped in. Bland inside. And the gravy was sweet as well. It didn't have the tart of tomato or the slight heat of Kashmiri chillies. Bad prep even from my 101 standards!

Then the seekh kabab took disappointment to another level altogether. I mean it was dry, very very dry. Overdone in tandoor with no melted fat inside the seekh which usually gives it a juicy texture. The seekh was like biting into a pencil rubber. And the flavour was so overdone with spices, there wasn't any flavour of smoked meat which is what tandoor is all about.Very very bad.

The lassi was the saving grace and if at all I end up at this place, I will only have 2 glasses of this.

So. Verdict?

I will say visit because FOMO. But don't go with any high expectations and hope that they still aren't...

Old Pal Dhaba has long been known for its traditional flavors and reputation for authentic Punjabi cuisine. Unfortunately, my recent visit left me deeply disappointed due to their severely lacking customer service and poor management.

Upon arrival, the ambiance seemed inviting, but the experience quickly soured. Despite being a peak dining hour, the staff seemed overwhelmed and disorganized.

Delay in Service: We placed our order and had to wait an unreasonably long time for it to arrive. While minor delays can be understandable during busy hours, the level of inattentiveness here was extreme and unacceptable.

Incorrect Order: We specifically ordered boneless mutton, yet the dish served to us contained bones. When we brought this to the server's attention, he responded with a flimsy excuse, saying he had informed the kitchen about our request but couldn't ensure it was fulfilled. This showed a clear lack of accountability and communication within their team.

Unresponsive Staff: During our meal, we needed additional naan to accompany our food. Despite asking multiple times, there was no response from the staff. We were left waiting, disrupting our dining experience.

Unconcerned Management: When we finally voiced our complaints to the cashier, hoping for some resolution, he showed no interest or effort to address our concerns. His apathetic attitude reflected a lack of regard for customer satisfaction, which is incredibly disheartening.

Conclusion: While Old Pal Dhaba might still have its charm when it comes to taste, the abysmal service overshadowed everything. The lack of promptness, accountability, and customer care made for a frustrating experience. If they want to maintain their reputation, significant improvements in customer service and staff training are essential. Until then, I would hesitate to recommend this place to anyone looking for a pleasant and hassle-free...