Dhaba Lane

Devouring the freshly made 'paranthas' in desi ghee amidst the luscious green surroundings, a cool wind gushes across her face and tangles her hair. This is not a movie scene but the 'Dhabas' at the Qutab Institutional area and she is Smita, a student who often comes and eats here. She says," I enjoy the clean and green atmosphere of this place and the fact that it offers good and cheap food."

Situated near Meherauli behind the Qutab hotel amongst acres of sprawling jungle there is the famous, 'dhaba lane'. Built by straw and bamboo sticks theses dhabas are reminiscent of the rustic flavour found in the villages of India. The mother nature provides the perfect ambience for these dhabas.

It's arraigned in an array with jungle as the backdrop. The seating arrangement is in the open with mud as the carpet, huge trees as the roof letting in strained sunlight of the afternoon. Shivani, working in Britannica finds the place very refreshing to take a break. "Whenever we need a break from the office we come here and have the special ginger tea. Ginger tea is a speciality of Tiwari's dhaba," he says proudly.

Most of the chairs are without backs and at many places the car bonnets form a good dinning table but this has not deterred the spirit of the people. Sanjay comes here often all the way from Greater Kailash to eat the delicious paranthas which come at cheap rates." I have come to Delhi from a village in Punjab to pursue my career. The paranthas here are delicious, just like the one back in my home town. Moreover the atmosphere is very good away from the hustle and the bustle of the city." Many like Sanjay come to Qutab Institutional Area and spend their evenings here. More to add to the list of the mouthwatering items are, the special tadka maggie with all the spices and the herbs, bread omelet, Chinese soup and momos.

Besides food the place also provides the perfect atmosphere for a stroll after the food. One can feel the fresh wind blowing against the face and the smell of the green jungle is absolutely awesome. There is also 'Sanjay Van' a garden made in the middle of the jungle. Walking there certainly makes one oblivious of the city surroundings."I usually like to take a walk here. I am transported into a different world altogether. It feels as if I am in between a jungle with no civilization," remarks Partha along with a consenting nod from his friend.

At night the bon fire illuminates the pitch darkness of the place. Sounds of various little insects merging with music of the dhabas pierce the silence."It is amazing to have the food sitting around the bonfire in the moonlight and my friends and I usually call this place as 'Haunts'", says Preeti, a college student.

The moon appears to be wanton and at the same time romantic as if just taken out from Colridge's famous poem 'The Kubla Khan'. The city may dwell into technology but nothing can beat the romantic aura of this place.

- Avni Sood