Exploring the World of Roadside Dining: Highway Meals

Road food ideas and comfort foods

Highway food always fascinates many of us, whether hungry or not stopping at an outlet, especially at a roadside Dhaba to try some local delicacies is a way to indulge in a great trip experience.

When talking about a journey on a highway it is normally going to be a long journey, for any long journey, quickly fixing the early morning breakfast and leaving it on the go are ways for most of us. 

This is always a priority in my travel planning and agenda, and also brings a lot of excitement to start a new trip.

I believe many households have their go-to meals for journeys, some prefer to keep dry-packed items to munch and some people love their home-cooked journey food recipes which are easy to carry and eat on a break during a journey. But eating at a highway outlet has advantages, and trying new dishes is another thing not to miss out on. 

I normally search for some local delicacies from the menu while placing an order at a highway food outlet, which they prepare with locally grown/produced ingredients and vegetables or poultry. 

I can't tell you how much I loved a freshwater fish curry at an eatery en route to Guwahati on the national highway. 

Plenty of Dhaba provides locally grown rice, vegetables, freshwater fish, free-range chicken, etc. The free range of chickens is perfect for our health, and a great source of protein, vitamin D, and minerals.

I am especially fond of thali which comes with a few bhajis, salad, rice, dal, green herbs, pickles, fish, and a meat dish. Sweet dishes are normally not included in the thali but are not an issue that can be eaten later in the journey, which is another expedition searching for good sweet shops on the highway. 

Just forgot to mention that some ethnic outlets serve rice wrapped in a unique leaf that holds the aroma of rice and keeps it warm for some time. 

Normally preparing all seasonal vegetables in a single day and presenting them on a platter is a huge task and tiring too. Then why not just look for a place that serves the purpose, a special seasonal meal thali right before us.

Try some tandoori roti or naan along with dal Tarka or dal Makhani, which is a must in a Dhaba-like outlet. Another favourite is trying their tea if the milk is pure and locally sourced. Milk tea is not a healthy option for people with stomach ailments, but it is a way to relax and replenish energy for tea lovers.  

Travel Tip

It is always good to carry a travel kit for self-hygiene such as a sensitizer, paper napkin, toilet sheet, spray, etc. Toilets are normally clean but can’t expect a 5-star facility so it is better to keep your travel-friendly kit for use.