For those of you who don't know a dhaba (pronounced dah-ba) is a roadside stand that sells food, chai (tea), tabacco, small trinkets, or snacks. Some of them are huge and quite modern, but most are little more than a small lean to with chairs, stools, or benches. Many say that dhabas are an experience unto themselves since we don't have them in the US. Before leaving for India many people offered their opinion about eating at a dhaba, some said that it was the best food they'd ever had, other related stories telling of horrible illnesses or terrible tasting food. Everyone seemed to have an opinion and I was very much on the fence about the subject.
Would the possibility of pain and discomfort of poorly prepared food deter me, would be better to be safe than sorry? I had to make a decision on my way to Rajasthan, about 7 hours in to our 9 hour trip everyone was cramped and thirsty. At that point we had left the main road and had been driving on a poorly paved road that was no larger than the wide walking paths we have in Reston. Only one car could fit so we spent 2 hours playing chicken with the other driver (be in car, truck, or camel) until one person veered off to let the other past. We pulled off to the side of the road at one of the many chai dhabas. It was nice to stretch and walk around (again since we were the only white people for MILES around we had an instant crowd) and our driver asked us if we wanted chai. I hesitated for a minute but decided that since the water and milk is boiled then it would be safe to drink (and that I never refuse a cup of chai). It was the best chai of my life! Since that first successful encounter I readily accept boiled beverages and will eat food that I see cooked in front of me. Others also recomended that I only purchase fruit I can peel myself and I have limited myself to fried snacks (I know I'm suffeing right?!). Dhabas are great because you get to interact with Indian and they're usually ask lots of questions, and I will use any excuse to have a cup of chai :-)
So all in all as long as you make smart choices about what you eat dhabas are a great way to experience a unique aspect of Indian culture!
Would the possibility of pain and discomfort of poorly prepared food deter me, would be better to be safe than sorry? I had to make a decision on my way to Rajasthan, about 7 hours in to our 9 hour trip everyone was cramped and thirsty. At that point we had left the main road and had been driving on a poorly paved road that was no larger than the wide walking paths we have in Reston. Only one car could fit so we spent 2 hours playing chicken with the other driver (be in car, truck, or camel) until one person veered off to let the other past. We pulled off to the side of the road at one of the many chai dhabas. It was nice to stretch and walk around (again since we were the only white people for MILES around we had an instant crowd) and our driver asked us if we wanted chai. I hesitated for a minute but decided that since the water and milk is boiled then it would be safe to drink (and that I never refuse a cup of chai). It was the best chai of my life! Since that first successful encounter I readily accept boiled beverages and will eat food that I see cooked in front of me. Others also recomended that I only purchase fruit I can peel myself and I have limited myself to fried snacks (I know I'm suffeing right?!). Dhabas are great because you get to interact with Indian and they're usually ask lots of questions, and I will use any excuse to have a cup of chai :-)
So all in all as long as you make smart choices about what you eat dhabas are a great way to experience a unique aspect of Indian culture!
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