Dhaba Estd 1986 Delhi, Sohna Road — Restaurant in Gurugram District

I recently visited Dhaba 1986, lured in by its vibrant photos, popular branding, and promises of authentic Punjabi food served in a fun, dhaba-style setting. At first glance, it looks like the perfect mix of tradition and trend — a colorful space with quirky decor, retro vibes, and even a bar to add a modern twist. But unfortunately, once you move past the visuals, the experience starts to fall flat — especially when it comes to the food.

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Ambiance – Visually Appealing, Well Thought Out

There’s no denying that the ambiance is one of the strongest points of Dhaba 1986. The interiors are playful, colorful, and make for a great backdrop to catch up with friends or click some Instagram-worthy pictures. From truck-art inspired walls to quirky signage and bright lighting, the place does a great job in creating a Punjabi dhaba atmosphere with a chic twist. The indoor bar adds to the trendy vibe and gives it an edge for those who enjoy a drink with their meal.

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Service – Polite and Prompt

The staff was courteous and responsive throughout our visit. From seating us promptly to helping us navigate the menu and checking in from time to time, their behavior was professional and friendly. The service was one of the few highlights of our experience, and the only reason the visit wasn’t a total disaster.

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Food – The Real Letdown

Sadly, the food was the biggest disappointment. We ordered several classic North Indian dishes, expecting richness, flavor, and warmth — what you usually associate with Punjabi dhaba food. But what we got was bland, oily, and in some cases, barely edible.

Even the basics like Dal Makhani, Paneer Butter Masala, and Tandoori Roti lacked taste and authenticity. The gravies felt like they were made in bulk without any attention to spice balance or freshness. The breads were dry and chewy. The portions were small for the price, and the flavors just didn’t hit the mark — completely underwhelming for a restaurant claiming to offer “real dhaba taste.”

If the food was as lively as the walls, this place would have easily been a favorite. But unfortunately, it feels like more effort went into the Instagram reel than into the recipes.

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Bar – A Nice Touch, But Doesn’t Save the Meal

The in-house bar is a decent addition, and the selection of drinks was fair. If you’re just looking to chill, have a drink, and enjoy the ambiance — this part of the experience might still work for you. But again, the bar alone isn’t enough to carry the weight of a restaurant that’s failing at its core offering: food.

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Final Verdict – All Show, No Substance

Dhaba 1986 has created an identity that looks like a fun, flavorful place to dine. But once you’re seated and served, you realize the experience is mostly about ambiance and branding, not quality or authenticity. With so many good Indian restaurants out there, it’s hard to recommend a place where the food is so far below expectations.

✔️ Pros: Beautiful ambiance, bar available, polite staff ❌ Cons: Poor food quality, overpriced, overhyped, flavorless dishes

Overall Rating: ⭐️/5 I won’t be returning unless there’s a complete overhaul in...

A Hearty Punjabi Feast at Dhaba Estd. 1986 in Sector 47, Gurugram

For those who appreciate traditional, hearty Indian meals, Dhaba Estd. 1986 in Sector 47, Gurugram, offers a dining experience straight out of Punjab. Nestled amidst the bustling Malibu Town, this highway-themed Punjabi restaurant captures the essence of roadside dhabas with its authentic flavors, iconic dishes, and vibrant décor.

As I walked into the restaurant, the unmistakable charm of the Punjabi swag greeted me. From its rustic interiors and colorful truck art to the cheerful vibe of its menu, every detail took me on a nostalgic journey of roadside dhabas.

The experience started with refreshing drinks—traditional lassis with a modern twist—that set the tone for what turned out to be a culinary delight.

One of the highlights of my meal was the Amritsari Machhi, which had perfectly shallow-fried fillets of sole fish coated in an ajwain-flavored gram flour batter. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful fish inside made for an unforgettable appetizer.

Next, I dived into the Patiala Murgh Ki Tangdi, where juicy chicken legs marinated in hung curd and spices were charred to perfection in the tandoor. These dishes, paired with their famous Dhabe Di Roti, created the perfect symphony of flavors.

For vegetarians, the Dhabe Da Khaas Paneer stood out as a star dish. Cottage cheese rolls filled with spinach, served in a light tomato gravy, were rich yet delicate in flavor—comfort food at its finest.

Of course, no meal at Dhaba Estd. 1986 is complete without their iconic Dal Dhaba. This slow-cooked black lentil dish, generously topped with butter and cream, was the epitome of indulgence, reminding me why it’s a signature offering.

For those looking to explore further, I highly recommend trying the Palak Patta Ki Chaat, Highway Chicken Tikka, and NH9 Tandoori Chicken, accompanied by crispy paranthas for a full dhaba-style feast.

To end the meal on a sweet note, I followed the chef’s recommendation and savored the Badam Halwa. Warm, rich, and loaded with the goodness of almonds, it was a fitting conclusion to a satisfying meal.

Dhaba Estd. 1986 isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Whether it’s the comforting ambiance of a Punjabi highway stop or the indulgent flavors of their artisanal dishes, this is the place for anyone seeking authentic, soulful Indian food. For me, it was a journey through traditional tastes, leaving me both full and nostalgic.

If you’re on Sohna Road, don’t miss this vibrant dhaba parked and ready to take you on a...

I ordered dinner from Dhaba and was extremely disappointed with how it reached me. The food came back in very low quality, plastic containers, badly taped and curry spilled in the bag. The packing was worse than roadside vendor. The item description written with pen on top. The food was very bad quality. The chicken gravy of butter chicken seemed to have been cooking for several days, dark in colour chicken so tough that it was hard to bite on.. Dal Makhani came topped with butter that was stinking and stale.. Dhaba is a premium brand and I’m so shocked that it is serving food like this, and the food that comes packed like this. Even the Chutney was really unappetising. I called and informed the restaurant staff about it and they said they’ll give me a call back, but nobody called the next day when I called the staff who picked the phone up was so rude. He screamed at me and said that he was not my servant And he refused to share his name. I used to look up to this brand Dhaba, but I guess it’s in the gutter now. Bad food, uncourteous staff..it’s so Disheartening. It hurts to pay premium price and put food that is stale in your body. I wish I could put it in words it had to Eventually go in the bin. It’s a shame . A roadside dhaba will surely serve better food...