The Craving and the Journey
The rumble of anticipation in my stomach mirrored the roar of the engine as we piled into the car, destination: Al Hind Dhaba in Bhiwandi. A night of catching up with friends and indulging in some North Indian fare – what more could you ask for? The anticipation builds as we drive to the Al Hind Dhaba, eager to experience the flavours they’ve been craving.
The Dhaba Culture of Bhiwandi
Bhiwandi’s Dhabas are legendary. The rhythmic clatter of spoons against plates blends with the sizzle of tandoors, a symphony that draws you in like a siren song. These aren’t just restaurants; they’re vibrant pockets of flavour and community. Under the gentle hum of fluorescent lights, families gather around overflowing plates of goodness, while weary travellers refuel with steaming mugs of chai and piping hot pakoras. The air hangs heavy with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked rotis and the warmth of spices, a promise of a feast for both the senses and the soul. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a cultural immersion, a chance to savour the spirit of Bhiwandi on a plate.
Arrival at Al Hind Dhaba
Pulling into the dusty parking lot of Al Hind Dhaba, the first thing that hit me was the fragrance. It was a heady mix of spices, instantly setting my mouth watering. We – a famished bunch were greeted by the warm glow of the Dhaba and the infectious buzz of activity. Families laughed around tables laden with food, waiters weaved through the crowd balancing precariously large tandoori platters, and the satisfying clink of silverware painted the soundscape.
The Dhaba Experience
We snagged a comfortable table in the open-air section, the gentle breeze carrying snippets of conversation and the rhythmic beat of Bollywood music playing in the background. As we settled in, a wave of familiar Dhaba vibes washed over me. The friendly staff greeted us with warm smiles, and we eagerly dove into the menu.
The Feast
To kick things off, we went for the classic Dhaba trio: crispy papad, fried garlic, and chana. It was the perfect way to awaken our taste buds and get the conversation flowing. Now, the specifics of the chicken starters escape me at the moment – the night’s a bit of a blur in the best way possible – but trust me, they were phenomenal!
Moving on to the main course, we opted for a symphony of hearty options. The mutton gravy, served with fluffy, warm naan, was a crowd-pleaser, a rich and comforting melody of savoury spices. The dal tadka added a comforting touch, its creamy texture and subtle tang a welcome counterpoint to the richness of the mutton. But let’s talk about the star of the show, well, almost. The mutton Raan Biryani held immense promise, but sadly, it fell flat. The flavours just didn’t quite come together, leaving us a bit disappointed. Thankfully, no Dhaba experience is complete without some refreshing raita, and ours was a cool cucumber concoction that perfectly cut through the richness of the curries.
Beyond the Food
The story takes another turn, focusing on the broader dhaba experience. As the night wore on, the air buzzed with a different kind of energy. The fairy lights twinkled like stars, casting a warm glow on the scene, and the aroma of sizzling spices continued to waft through the air. We squeezed into our table, laughter flowing as easily as the soft drink that kept getting refilled. Each shared plate was an adventure, a chance to dig in with our hands and trade stories in between mouthfuls. It wasn’t just about the food; it was the camaraderie, and the carefree spirit of the night that made the Dhaba experience so special.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was my first visit to Al Hind Dhaba. It was a fun night out with friends at Al Hind Dhaba. The food was generally good, except for the biryani. Just skip the Raan Biryani next time, that’s my advice! Leaving Al Hind Dhaba, we were not just satiated but also bonded by a shared experience. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day, a testament to the simple pleasures of good food and company. The Dhaba is moderately priced.
Location
The story concludes with a note about the location of Al Hind Dhaba – Bhiwandi City in Thane district, opposite Shangrila Resort on Mumbai Nashik Highway.
