Dhaba Lane is one of the best Indian (Punjabi) restaurants I have dined at in Karama. Located behind the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel on 2B street, Dhaba Lane (previously Khan Dhaba) has one of those modern-retro interiors which is so trendy with the Karama culinary crowd these days – Bhukkand Café, Once Upon A Bite, Bol Gappa and Rajdhani Street could all have been penned by the same hand. With the exception of Bol Gappa, I like them all, especially Dhaba Lane, Bhukkand Café and Once Upon A Bite. This is definitely a place to bring family and friends to and it helps that there’s plenty of RTA parking along 2B.
A view from the street 
Interior
A dhaba restaurant in India (and Pakistan) is very similar in concept to the American highway diner. Located along the highways, mainly near petrol stations, dhabas are popular with truck drivers and, in recent times, with the general commuting public. And you know what they say? Always eat where the truck drivers eat, it’s always the best. Today dhaba has become synonymous with Punjabi food. Right, with that little factoid out of the way…the food at Dhaba Lane is superb and encompasses street food like chaats, kebabs, curries, biryanis, and everything in-between.
Interior 
Interior
Our meal started with Pani Puri shots followed by their ever so tender and succulent Surkh Bihari Boti (basically spiced chicken kebab). For our mains we ordered Peshwari Murg Kadhai, Punjabi (comfort food) Kadi Pakora and a Dal Dhaba Double Tadka, which is served in a dish shaped like a wishing well. Our carbs came in the form of Jeera Rice and a glistening with ghee, Garlic Naan which was delicious but should carry a garlic breath warning (Smint Blue/Tic Tac recommended). We tried their classic Kulhad di Lassi which I didn’t like too much (I’m more of a spiced buttermilk guy than lassi, especially this thick sort of lassi). But we loved the Cutting Chai we ended our meal with in place of desserts.
Pani Puri Shots (literally) 
Surkh Bihari Boti 
Dal Dhaba Double Tadka 
Garlic Naan 
Peshwari Murg Kadhai 
Punjabi Kadi Pakora 
Jeera Rice 
Cutting Chai 
Papad
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Dhaba Lane. In fact my food buddy and I thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience there (there is a difference). The Peshwari Murg Kadhai and Dal Dhaba Double Tadka on the culinary side were exceptional. Service too was very good – friendly, accommodating and fast. I am usually sceptical and critical of the super high ratings some restaurants are given on Zomato, but Dhaba Lane is deserving of its 4+ ratings. It’s a restaurant I have been back to several times and have no reservations in recommending.
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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.