There rarely comes a restaurant that loses its value in terms of service. Punjabi Dhaba is an interesting restaurant which will indulge you with its tasty food but leave a bitter sweet memory for its lack of service and absurd prices.
Let’s start with the good bits; the food was amazing, not all of it, but enough for me to commend the restaurant for doing a fantastic job with the flavors and texture. We were a party of 5 and ordered a ton of food - Lamb Korma, Murg do Pyaza, paneer tikka, Makki ki roti Saag, Gobi Manchurian, Paneer Masala and Tandoori roti. The highlights were lamb korma and Makki ki roti Saag. The flavor was authentic and simply scrumptious. I’d stay away from Gobi Manchurian though, it was hard and felt stale and we didn’t touch it after the first few bites. A note, no rice is served with curries, so you’re left with ordering rice separate.
Let’s turn our attention to the bad bits; even though you dine in, the food is served in to-go plastic containers; the restaurant is strictly self serve, you order at the front and they call your name when the food is ready. Now, you would think, the prices would be reasonable for such an establishment, right? Wrong! The prices are inflated and absurdly high; we paid around $21 for Makki ki roti Saag!!! and everything else also in the menu is incredibly overpriced. The quantity also isn’t justifiable with those prices. I get that there are no restaurants close by to this area but charging so much money for a casual Indian self-serve restaurant, not a fine dine, is, according to me, duping the customers.
Also, did I tell you they charge $2 for a tiny bottle of water? Let that sink in. They have a banner inside that says no outside water/ cold drinks and then they go ahead and engage in extracting every nickel and dime which is just unethical. Oh and they do charge a 4% fee when paying with credit cards, so when paying cash, do ask them for a discount because when we tried to pay with cash the second time, they still, however, did charge us 4% fee and I had to inquire about the policy there with the owner to which he said the people working there didn’t have enough training.
The restaurant itself is huge, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seatings and the traditional Indian cloth bench seats. There are a lot of trucks and cars parked in the area which suggests the restaurant garners interest from everyone. I’d still give this restaurant a modest B+ for the food but a C for the antics and the the sky high prices. I’d argue this restaurant has the potential to be the best if they make some consumer...
Read moreFood Review: Punjabi Dhaba Delight
During my recent visit to a Punjabi Dhaba, I had the pleasure of trying a variety of dishes that truly showcased the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Punjab.
Onion Kulcha: The onion kulcha was a delightful start to the meal. The bread was perfectly baked, with a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The filling of finely chopped onions and spices was both aromatic and flavorful, making each bite a delicious experience.
Chicken Curry: The chicken curry was a standout dish. The chicken pieces were tender and succulent, cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic gravy. The blend of spices was balanced beautifully, providing a deep, hearty flavor that lingered on the palate. This dish was the epitome of comfort food.
Malai Paneer Kebab: The malai paneer kebabs were a revelation. Soft, creamy paneer cubes marinated in a rich, creamy blend of spices and grilled to perfection. The kebabs were melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a subtle smokiness from the grill that enhanced their flavor.
Pakoras: The pakoras were an excellent accompaniment. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters were made with a variety of vegetables, coated in a seasoned gram flour batter. They were perfectly fried, not overly greasy, and came with a tangy dipping sauce that complemented them well.
Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag: This traditional Punjabi combo was executed flawlessly. The makki di roti (cornmeal flatbread) was rustic and hearty, pairing perfectly with the sarson da saag (mustard greens). The saag was rich and flavorful, with a hint of spices that didn’t overpower the natural taste of the greens. Topped with a dollop of homemade butter, it was an authentic, comforting dish that took me straight to the heart of Punjab.
Overall Experience: The food at this Punjabi Dhaba was exceptional, each dish showcasing the depth and richness of Punjabi cuisine. From the crispy onion kulchas to the hearty chicken curry, the creamy malai paneer kebabs, the crunchy pakoras, and the traditional makki di roti with sarson da saag, every bite was a testament to the culinary expertise and love that goes into Punjabi cooking. This dhaba is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Punjabi...
Read moreTitle: Disappointed by Rude Behavior and Poor Cleanliness at Punjabi Dhaba
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
My recent visit to Punjabi Dhaba left me extremely disappointed, not only due to the rude behavior of the staff but also because of the poor cleanliness standards observed at the restaurant.
Upon entering Punjabi Dhaba, it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority. The tables were dirty, with visible stains and crumbs left from previous customers. The floors appeared neglected, with debris scattered around and an overall lack of cleanliness that was hard to ignore. This lack of attention to cleanliness greatly diminished the dining experience.
Additionally, the washrooms were in an unsatisfactory state. They were unclean, with overflowing trash bins and unpleasant odors. It was disheartening to see such a disregard for basic hygiene in a dining establishment.
Cleanliness is an integral part of any restaurant experience, as it reflects the overall commitment to customer satisfaction and well-being. A clean and sanitary environment is crucial for guests to feel comfortable and enjoy their meals without any concerns about hygiene.
I urge the management of Punjabi Dhaba to prioritize cleanliness and take immediate action to address these issues. Regular cleaning routines, proper maintenance, and attentive staff can go a long way in ensuring a pleasant dining experience for customers.
Combined with the rude behavior exhibited by the staff, the poor cleanliness standards at Punjabi Dhaba made for an extremely disappointing visit. I sincerely hope that the management takes these concerns seriously and implements the necessary improvements to restore the restaurant to a level that aligns with customer expectations.
Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Punjabi Dhaba to others until these issues are addressed and significant improvements are made in both staff behavior and cleanliness standards.
i think they never cleaned their washrooms after ...
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