Nowadays, dhabas have evolved and attained a respectable position in the gourmet circle. The dhaba culture has also been introduced in five stars hotels by creating and ambience of archetypical rustic highway eatery complete with truck mural and with rustic internal décor in traditional phulkari work. These artificial created dhabas at such places offer the tantalizing taste of wholesome food but at exorbitant rates.  

But the real taste of food lies only in Indian dhabas where food is simple and unpretentious. One such dhaba is located in sector 28 of Chandigarh. It is known as Deluxe Dhaba. The dhaba attained overnight fame when the prime minister of Canada Stephan Harper expressed his desire to test his taste buds there. The city and the residents were quite happy and felt proud to know about this. There was a jubilant atmosphere in sector 28. The entire market of sector 28 Chandigarh was decorated with buntings, banners and lights. Security was also beefed up in the area for ensuring the safe visit of the dignitary and other VIPs accompanying the Canadian Prime Minister.

I came to know that earlier Mr. Harper was scheduled to visit ‘Pal Dhaba’ located in the same sector but due to security reasons it was decided shift the venue from to Deluxe Dhaba. The decision disappointed the owners of Pal Dhaba who had made arrangements in advance regarding the visit of international guest for dinner.

The prime minister of Canada visited Deluxe Dhaba on 7th November 2012. A delegation of 60 persons including politicians of Canada and Punjab, businessmen and officials of Canadian government enjoyed the dinner at Deluxe Dhaba. Famous singer and actor of Punjab Harbhajan Mann also accompanied the international guests. The guests were greeted with the beat of Punjabi Dhol and bhangra performed by children.

The prime minister tested his taste buds with butter chicken, lemon chicken, rogan Josh, palak paneer, chilly paranthas, lachhedar paranthas, yellow daal and malai kofta. But the most sought after item after the dinner was tilla kulfi which was savored by the guests.

The Deluxe dhaba, after the visit of international guests, has now become very popular for the city residents and the visitors. No wonder, the place has already caught the eye of some film producers who intend to shoot few scenes of their forthcoming movies there. So Deluxe Dhaba has become another place to visit and relish food in Chandigarh.