Get Budget-Friendly OG Comfort Food At None Other Than These Legendary Dhabas In Delhi NCR!

Craving a hearty meal that doesn’t cost you your entire monthly budget and still leaves you with a happy food baby? We got you, besties! There is nothing North Indians love more than a bowl of Dal Makhani with soft Tandoori Roti or a hearty plate of Rajma Chawal, but we also know no one except the OG dhabas of Delhi that can nail the flavour. So, say hello to Delhi NCR’s 15 legendary dhabas that are serving OGs of comfort food. Whether you’re a broke college student hunting for Rajma Chawal that slaps, or just someone who believes butter chicken is a love language, this list is your treasure map to the most wholesome (and wallet-friendly) meals around town.

1. Dhaba Food

Picture Credit :  Akash yati007

Where | Shop No. 129, Municipal Market, Super Bazar Compound, near Shankar Market, Connaught Lane, Connaught Place
Timings | 9 AM - 6 PM
 Call Them | +91 9971 559 206

2. The Dhaba Junction

Picture Credit :  hs bhatia

This comfy spot will be your go-to for soul food. The Dhaba Junction has comfort food that hits right in the feels, creamy dal, buttery curries, and familiar North Indian flavours that taste like maa ke haath ka jaadu. Whether you’re craving something classic or wanna explore new flavours, Dhaba Junction’s got your cravings covered.

Where | 14A/22, next to Oberai Medical & General Store, Channa Market, Block 14A, WEA, Karol Bagh
Timings | 9 AM - 2 AM
 Call Them | +91 7011 450 697

3. Lal Dhaba Original One

Picture Credit : ashish kumar meena

Butter Chicken that straight up transports you to jannat, Dal Makhani that’s slow-cooked to creamy perfection, and Paneer Lababdar that’s basically a warm hug in gravy form- this is Lal Dhaba. They’re serving up North Indian classics so good, you’ll be licking your fingers and the bowl. Pull up for the ultimate comfort meal and trust us, you’ll be feeling tandoor-fied joy in no time.

Where | B-3, Kotla Marg, near Bal Bhawan, ITO, Mandi House
Timings | 11 AM - 11 PM
 Call Them | +91 9818 146 224

4. Tite Da Dhaba

Picture Credit : Puneet Sharma

This one’s a certified legend for late-night cravings. Their Butter Chicken and Tandoori goodies are famous for good reason. It’s creamy, spicy, and hella satisfying. Also, bonus: it’s super affordable! So you can bring your gang, eat like a king, and you’ll still have money left for dessert.

Where | B, 595-596, Shivaji College Rd, Block B, Raghubir Nagar, Tagore Garden Extension
Timings | 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
 Call Them | +91 9891 985 041

5. ⁠Ajit Khalsa Dhaba

Picture Credit : Sumit Shaw

Affordable, delicious, and 100% pind vibes; Ajit Khalsa is where you go for desi comfort food without burning a hole in your wallet. Their naans are crisped to perfection, and the gravies are straight-up indulgent. Ideal for when you’re starving, broke, and want a meal that makes you go waah ji waah!

Where | 619, 10, Main Chhatarpur Rd, Opp Tivoli Garden, Block A1, Chhatarpur
Timings | 12 PM - 11:30 PM
 Call Them | +91 9999 228 099

6. New Prem Dhaba

Picture Credit : ROBIN SINGH

Serving old-school North Indian feels with a side of nostalgia, New Prem Dhaba is your classic Delhi haunt for dal makhani, stuffed parathas, and curries that’ll make you forget all your situationships. It’s pure, simple, no-nonsense food, and yes, it hits every single time.

Where | 11139, New Rohtak Rd, Block 69D, Dori Walan, Karol Bagh
Timings | 11:30 AM - 11:30 PM
 Call Them | +91 9990 909 109

7. Rajinder Da Dhaba

Picture Credit :  Tanushree Ghosh

This one needs no intro because Rajinder Da Dhaba = tandoori heaven. From creamy butter chicken to spicy as hell mutton curry and melt-in-mouth kebabs, this place is a non-veg lover’s paradise. Though there may be a long queue, the flavours are on point, and it’s the kind of meal that ends with a happy food coma.

Where | AB 14, Safdarjung Enclave Market, Safdarjung
Timings | 3 PM - 11:30 PM
 Call Them | +91 9990 033 229

8. Mehfil Dhaba

Picture Credit :  Mohit Baghpatiya

Mehfil Dhaba se nahi khaya toh kya khaya? This gem is dishing out rich mutton curries, creamy paneer gravies, and buttery parathas that make you feel like royalty. The portions are big, the prices are low, and the food? Chef’s kiss. Great for squad outings or post-work pigouts.

Where |  Plot No 2, Old Market, Shivalik Colony, Malviya Nagar
Timings | 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM
 Call Them | +91 11 2668 4123

9. Shiva Dhaba Mama Yadav

Picture Credits: Nandini Singh

Their food speaks of the authentic dhaba style and keeps up with it while being the best version of what they offer every day. Being a total value for money for their desi food and style, this one is even more extraordinary for their service. Some of their must-try dishes are Special Chaap Fry, Butter Paneer Masala, Aloo Masala Fry, and more. SO drop by with the gang and devour away!

Where | Shiva Dhaba Mama Yadav -  NH 24, Near Police Thana, Chawani Hapur, Babugarh, UP
Timings | 24*7
Call Them | +91 80575 80442

10. Old Rao Restaurant 

Picture Credits: vikas dhanrajgir

We all know that when travelling via NH 8, stopping by the evergreen Old Rao Restaurant is an unsaid ritual. On the way through the Delhi-Jaipur highway, this legendary dhaba is the perfect spot to relish that desi, home-style food without making a hole in your pocket. Their simple yet wholesome meals will defo add just the right charm to your road trip. 

Where | Old Rao Restaurant  -  NH 458, Delhi - Jaipur Expy, Near BML, Munjal University, Sidhrawali, Haryana 
Timings | 24*7
Call Them | +91 9992 317 800

11. Gulshan Dhaba

Picture Credits: Naresh sharma 

Synonymous with good food, Gulshan Dhaba is a  popular dhaba in Gurugram that is loved by literally everyone. These good folks offer a plethora of yummy dishes that are totes gonna appease your taste buds with the desi zing. While here, do dig into their signature delights including Aloo Paratha, Shahi Paneer, Malai Kofta, and more. So, when are you heading over here?

Where | Gulshan Dhaba - F25H+835, Jail Rd, Prem Nagar, Roshan Pura, Gurugram
Timings | 11 AM - 11 PM
Call Them | +91 9992 317 800

12. Amrik Sukhdev 

Picture Credits: Vishal Jha

As if you all needed any more reason to head to Murthal! Folks, the legendary Amrik Sukhdev Ka Dhaba in Murthal is another amazing dhaba that you should defo check out with the squad while craving desi meals. While here, we totes recommend trying Aloo Pyaz Tandoori Paratha, Soya Keema Paratha, Veg N Cheese Burger, Veg Sizzler, Veg Momos, Pav Bhaji, Dahi Kebab, Idli Dhokla, Panchratan Dal, and so much more from their massive AF menu!

Where | Amrik Sukhdev - 52, 250 KM Stone, G.T Road, Murthal, Haryana
Timings | 24*7
Call Them | +91 8607 610 002
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/amriksukhdev

13. Bhajan Dhaba Since 1969

Picture Credits: Harpreet Bedi

Located in Gajraula, UP, Bhajan dhaba ticks all brackets for a traditional, North Indian dhaba meal which is light on your pocket as well as delightful for your guts. These good folks have been appeasing our taste buds for 60+ years and people actually swear by their delicious food. So, call your gang and head over here, ASAP!

Where | Bhajan Dhaba - Chopla, Gajraula, UP
Timings | 24*7
Call Them | +91 94575 88888
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/bhajanhotel/

14. Mannat Dhaba

Picture Credits: Siddhartha Shrestha

Next up on our list is this gem of a place that offers lip-smacking dishes paired with delicious lassi that will teleport you straight to food heaven. Also, the simple menu here and the wide variety of cuisines at affordable prices make this one a must-visit place with the gang when craving delicious North Indian delights. While here, don’t forget to try their scrumptious sandwiches, rice, rolls, noodles, chaats,  and parathas for a foodgasm. 

Where | Mannat Dhaba - 65th Mile, N.H 8, Sidhrawali, Haryana 
Timings | 24*7
Call Them | +91 9254 303 033

15. Zhilmil Karnal Dhaba

This Is A Representative Image

Last but defo not least on our list is this marvellous place known for making a place in the hearts and minds of their visitors on the first visit itself. Although this one doesn't have a lavish seating area or modern amenities, the lip-smacking food truly makes up for all of it. Head over here and order up cheese paratha, paneer paratha or thali for a wholesome meal on a budget. 

Where | Zhilmil Karnal Dhaba - NH - 58, Delhi - Haridwar Road, Near Sakoti, Flyover, Meerut
Timings | 24*7
Call Them | +91 9996 826 726

And there you have it, folks, now all you need to do is head over and relish a hearty meal!