Delhi serves as a great base to explore the beautiful hill stations of North India. If you are planning a summer road trip with your friends and family, we would like to recommend some of the best highway dhabas on the Delhi-Uttarakhand route. By Karan Kaushik
Highway dhabas on the Delhi-Uttarakhand route
Cheetal Grand, Khatauli
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Cheetal Grand is the most popular of all dhabas on the Delhi-Uttarakhand route. It’s become a mandatory pitstop on the way to Dehradun and beyond. The ambience is plush and they offer ample parking space, which involves basement parking. The overall hygiene, including that of the washrooms, is good. Kids find great joy in playing around their little swimming pool with colourful fishes. Their service is quick and the food delicious. From buttery paranthas to dosas to burgers and pizzas, they serve it all.
Google Rating: 4.1
Where: Khatauli Bypass, NH334, Khatauli, Uttar Pradesh
Jain Shikanji, Modinagar
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Who hasn’t heard the name of the legendary Jain Shikanji? They have a pan-India presence now. The humble eatery turned food outlet chain is so popular that a lot of people have started their own Jain Shikanji and claim to be the original. But the original one is in Modinagar’s Vikasnagar area. Their chilled shikanji or lemonade with their trademark spice powder will combat your fatigue in a jiffy and recharge you for the road ahead.
Google Rating: 4.1
Where: Vikasnagar, Kadrabad, Delhi-Meerut Highway, Modinagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Jhilmil Dhaba, Muradnagar
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Another popular dhaba on the Delhi-Uttarakhand route, Jhilmil Dhaba is known for its Tandoori Chai and Kulfi. Most people stop here for the latter. Their kulfi ice cream is loaded with dry fruits and tastes absolutely divine and refreshing in the summer heat. Their paranthas and pakoras (fritters) are also worth trying. The outlet has been serving travellers for over 55 years now and everyone seems to love their north Indian delicacies. The toilets could do better though, in terms of cleanliness.
Google Rating: 3.7
Where: NH 58, Near Gang Nahar, Muradnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Shiva Dhaba Mama Yadav, Babugarh
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Shiva Dhaba also has its fair share of namesakes, thanks to its extreme popularity as a highway eatery. But most travellers say that Mama Yadav’s Shiva Dhaba is the original. What people love the most about this dhaba is its super-fast service, even when it’s chockablock with tourists the entire time. From the classic chhola bhaturas to masala dosa and paneer dishes with naan, you’ll love their food. But the one dish that you should not miss here is their paranthas, which come topped with copious amounts of butter. Have a kadak chai or an ice cream before you hit the highway again.
Google Rating: 4.1
Where: NH 24, Near Police Thana, Chawani Hapur, Babugarh, Uttar Pradesh
Namastey Midway, Mansurpur
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You won’t call this a dhaba. But we are still including this plush midway on the list because it’s one of the best places to halt on the way to Uttarakhand. The grand complex features several branded outlets such as Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Haldirams among others. There’s a Jain Shikanji counter too, just in case you miss it in Modinagar. One of the best spots here is the Chai Ka Nukkad, which serves amazing tea. The ambience is great and the washrooms are super clean.
Google Rating: 4.3
Where: NH 58, Delhi-Haridwar Highway, near 104 Km Mile Stone, Mansurpur, Uttar Pradesh
Om Mannat Dhaba, Muzaffarnagar
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Located near Roorkee, Om Mannat Dhaba offers delicious North Indian fare, ample parking space, and comfortable seating. Begin with their Kulhad wali chai before you order the paranthas and another helping of the kulhad wali chai. Also, you should not confuse with the famous highway dhaba chain Mannat. Most people do that and end up comparing it with the Mannat in Murthal. That’s a little unfair. Om Mannat Dhaba is good in its own right. Their paneer dishes and lentils are delicious. So are their chhola bhaturas.
Google Rating: 3.9
Where: Delhi – Haridwar Road, Barla, Uttar Pradesh
Gill Brothers Dhaba, Bazpur
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And last, but not least on our list is Gill Brothers Dhaba. This dhaba serves as a must-visit pitstop on the way to Jim Corbett and Nainital via Bazpur. If you are a lover of Punjabi cuisine (who isn’t?), Gill Brothers Dhaba fits the bill perfectly. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Try their tandoor paranthas and you’d realise why some foodies have called them the best tandoor paranthas in India. The staff is courteous, the washrooms are clean, and the parking space is ample. What else do you need?
Google Rating: 4.3
Where: Kelamod Road, Kelamod, Hajeera, Uttarakhand