Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi, Ambience Mall Gurugram — Restaurant in Gurugram District

A Culinary Journey at Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi in Ambience Mall, Gurugram

When it comes to experiencing the essence of North Indian highway food, Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi, located in Ambience Mall, Gurugram, is a culinary gem that stands out. Founded by Kabir Suri, the brain behind Azure Hospitality, Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi brings the rustic charm of a quintessential highway eatery right into the heart of the city. With its signature patilas of balti meat and butter chicken, and giant tandoors churning out flavorful rotis and tikkas, this restaurant is a haven for food lovers seeking authentic Punjabi flavors.

Since its inception in 2009, Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi has been delighting patrons with its hearty, flavorful dishes. The restaurant offers indoor seating for 55 covers, providing a cozy yet lively atmosphere reminiscent of traditional roadside dhabas. The culinary magic is crafted by Executive Chef Ravi Saxena, whose expertise ensures every dish served is a celebration of robust, authentic flavors.

My Culinary Adventure

During my recent visit, I indulged in an array of delightful dishes, each a testament to the rich culinary heritage of North India. Here's a peek into my gastronomic journey at Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi:

Starters

Palak Patta Ki Chaat: This dish was a perfect start, with crispy spinach leaves topped with tangy chutneys and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds, creating a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.

Patiyala Murg Ki Tangdi: Juicy and flavorful, these chicken drumsticks marinated in a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the tandoor were absolutely mouth-watering.

Drinks

Meerut Ki Shikanji: A refreshing lemonade with a hint of spices that was both cooling and invigorating.

Imly Banta: This tangy tamarind-based drink was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminiscent of traditional Indian street beverages.

Kaala Khatta: A sweet and tangy drink made from black currant, it was a delightful treat.

Peach Iced Tea: A perfect blend of peach flavors with tea, providing a refreshing contrast to the spicy starters.

Mains

Bhatinda Chicken Curry: This rich and creamy chicken curry was infused with aromatic spices, making it a hearty and satisfying main course.

Balti Meat: Tender pieces of meat cooked in a robust, spicy gravy served in traditional balti-style, it was a carnivore’s delight.

Dal Dhaba: The classic lentil dish, slow-cooked to perfection, with a rich, creamy texture and a subtle smoky flavor from the tandoor.

Breads

Garlic Naan: Soft, fluffy naan with a generous topping of garlic, perfect for mopping up the delicious curries.

Tandoori Roti: Traditional whole wheat bread cooked in the tandoor, providing a wholesome accompaniment to the meal.

Butter Naan: Rich and indulgent, this naan was a buttery delight.

Desserts

Tilla Kulfi: This traditional Indian ice cream on a stick was the perfect way to end the meal, with its creamy texture and delightful sweetness.

Gulab Jamun: Soft, syrupy, and utterly delicious, these golden dumplings were a sweet finale to a memorable dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of North Indian culinary traditions. Every dish is crafted with care and precision, bringing the authentic flavors of the highway eatery to the urban landscape. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries, tandoori delights, or refreshing traditional drinks, this place has something to satisfy every palate. My visit to Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi was a delightful journey through the rich and vibrant flavors of Punjab, and I can't wait to go back for another round of...

We decided to lunch here while visiting Ambience mall. There were a lot of options but we decided to go here because of the hype and we also hadn't been here before.

Waiting time: It took us 15 mins to get our table. Given the rush on a Sunday and impromptu plan, it's acceptable.

Ambience: Good, calm, retro and peaceful.

Staff: Very polite and comforting.

Food: Pathetic. Absolutely hated their food. We ordered Handi Murg and it felt uncooked and without any masala. Trust me, I'd have made a better one at home. Aam Panna was decent.

Also, I suffered loose motion later that night and my wife vomited the next day. We didn't give it much thought but then I checked the reviews for Dhaba and a lot of people have complained of such problems.

Guys, please improve your food quality and hygiene standards. While we might like the ambience and everything, we don't know what happens in the kitchen.

Pricing: Unreasonably high. The quality of food does not match with the pricing at all.

1 Star because at the end of the day we go to a restaurant to eat. If the food is of poor taste/quality and the pricing is unreasonable then the ambience/service/vibes don't really matter.

Will I be visiting them again: No Would I...

They have managed to set an all-time low for the quality of food served.

First off, the complimentary papad were stone cold, soggy, and partly raw. They were probably sitting out for long, waiting to be served.

Next, the tamatar dhaniya shorba (tomato soup) was so salty that I had to return it after 2 sips. They said they'll fix it, but it didn't work. When you dilute the soup with water and serve it without mixing the contents well, it creates an unevenness in the whole texture. As a connoisseur of tomato soup, that was a big turn-off.

The other appetizers and the main course were quite bland and just bearable.

My primary concern is that there were no Punjabi flavours in the food at all, which goes against the whole brand identity of 'Dhaba'. The food didn't feel fulfilling and definitely showed the incompetence of the chefs in balancing out the flavours.

While waiting for the main course, I could see other tables coming up with multiple complaints related to the food. The manager had no control over his brigade. No hygienic practices either (one of the waiters picked his nose while waiting the table next to mine).

For the price you charge per dish, the quality delivered is highly underwhelming. Never...