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Home > News > India News > Article > Yabba dhaba do

Yabba dhaba do!

Updated on: 12 April,2010 09:01 AM IST  | 
Swati Chandra |

If there's something that has stood by every summer in the city, it's slow sunsets, cutting chai and chokha chutney. Swati Chandra gets you some top-of-the-crop humble havens to stir that good ol' student-ly spirit

Yabba dhaba do!

If there's something that has stood by every summer in the city, it's slow sunsets, cutting chai and chokha chutney. Swati Chandra gets you some top-of-the-crop humble havens to stir that good ol' student-ly spirit




MAMU'S
If you are searching for a place that can give you au00a0 taste of the traditional Bihari thali or chokha chutney, your search endsu00a0 at Mamu's. Take a left turn from the first T-point straight down the main gate of JNU, and you are almost there. The bright red bricks, ample al fresco seating and political graffiti outside the admin block near the dhaba add an intelligent chilled out ambience as you sip on the fragrant tea, a favourite here.u00a0 The air here is lively and energetic, with Mamu, or Mohd Shahzad Ibrahim, the owner, joking and mixing around with the local folk. He holds a Phd from JNU, and cooks most of the specialties himself. Our recommendations:u00a0 biryani, mutton kebabs,u00a0 lemon tea. The Bihari gujiya, however, takes the cake.
Where: Admin block, JNU Campus
Meal for two: Rs 50

GANGA DHABA
The first right turn from the main gate of JNU will take you down to a dusty path, with sprouted sit-stones all over. This is the most wanted evening address in Delhi.u00a0
Ganga opens at six in the evening and remains operational till three in the morning, and keeps JNU's tradition of debates and adda alive. The place time to catch its spirit: in the wee. "It's the aloo bondas and samosas that keep me coming for more," says Farah, a student of English literature at the university. Combine that with the sound of airplanes, a crispy fresh Aravalli breeze and a bright moon, and it makes for a romantic night out, if not a fun one with friends. However, avoid the fruit juice here what lay in the juicer before your drink decides its flavour. There is also a cigarette 'khopcha' on the left corner, and au00a0 vending machine that gives you cakes, biscuits and even condoms at the drop of a coin. For easy entry, drop car at Munirka and take bus route 615.
Where: JNU campus
Meal for two: Rs 50
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SASSI'S
A small tent, covering an areau00a0 of about 36 square feet on the road side adjacent to IIT Delhi campus, with only 4 benches, finds a place in the one of the best-loved books of our times. This road-side joint found a place in Chetan Bhagat's famed Five Point Someone. Serving hot paranthas since about 15 years, the place is popular through generations. Other stuff on the menu includes omelette, tea, coffee, fried rice, daal chawal and the works. "It's their paranthas that have my South Indian friends, too, hooked," says Akash, a regular, pointing towards his friend, who visits the place three times a day. Find the country's best brains smiling, nibbling and making merry while you feed on the fantabulous fare.
Where: IIT Delhi Hostel gate
Meal for two: Rs 30


TANKU'S
It's the hotbed of homecooked food at Qutub Institutional Area, with the best "daal, chawal, tarkari," as Jeanne, a German student of a business college closeby, puts it. The place has no furniture, no background music, and hardly any seating space, so you'll have to borrow space from its neighbours. Nevertheless, the food's a hit. Tanku's opens at 9 pm and serves till 11 pm, and is 24 years of age.
Where: Next to IIFT, Qutub Institutional Area
Meal for two: Rs 30


NORTH EAST DHABA
The mini food court opposite the Tapti hostel is perhaps the safest all-night eatery in the capital. While the 24X7 dhaba next to this one serves thalis, the North East brings to your platter the seven scrumptious sisters. Try the ginger, lemon and black teas starting at Rs 3, the rare alungsa fry - a spiced liver preparation and their chicken satay, in particular. Some of the delicacies are specially prepared in an earthen steamer, which enhances the taste and health benefits. "The fish fry's my fav," smiles Apam, the dhaba manager, busy biting into some. The momos, however, are a tad too cold to taste good. Try the traditional snacks instead.
Where: Opposite Tapti hostel, JNU
Meal for two: Rs 70


RAJINDER DA DHABA
Look bang opposite Kamal Cinema, Safdarjung Enclave, and the reds are bound to entice you. This dhaba is a gift to the people of Green Park, Safdarjung, and Greater Kailash, with unarguably the best butter chicken around. Other must-tries include their kaali daal, shahi paneer and palak paneer, all priced between Rs 35 and Rs 45. The Punjabi songs add to the punch. And don't miss their lassi.
Where: Safdarjung Enclave
Meal for two: Rs 80

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