Dhaba

[3] Dhabas have additionally been established by South Asian diaspora communities in countries including the United States.

Dhabas sprung up first on GT Road which ran from Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Lahore through Amritsar, Ludhiana and further to Delhi and Calcutta.

As of 2023, it is estimated that there are approximately 40 dhabas in the United States, which has been credited to the growing demographic of Punjabi American truckers.

In rural North India, the community tandoor, dug in the ground and either coal-fired or (more recently) electrically heated, is a meeting place for women, who bring the kneaded atta (dough) and sometimes marinated meats to have them cooked while socialising.

The universal favourite is chole bhature which is a year-round item and is available at every wayside dhaba; it originated in Northern India but is now found anywhere in the Indian subcontinent or other countries where the South Asian diaspora have migrated in large numbers.

But, the pride of the Punjabi winter cuisine is sarson ka saag (curry made out of mustard leaves) served with blobs of white butter accompanied by makki ki roti and lassi.

Parathas stuffed with cooked, mashed and spiced vegetables such as cauliflower are popular for breakfast with curds or tea.

Drinks served at a vegetarian dhaba normally include Lassi, Milk, Water and fresh Fruit Juice.

Non-Vegetarian dhabas often serve the same drinks as their Vegetarian counterparts, but often also include alcoholic beverages at a cheaper price, especially in Punjab.

Panjiri, a whole wheat flour fried in sugar and ghee, heavily laced with dry fruits and herbal gums, is eaten in the winters to ward off cold.