Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Dhaba 1986: Balancing Tradition, Expansion, and Modern Dining
Dhaba 1986 is a restaurant chain that started nearly 40 years ago, aiming to bring the fun and flavors of roadside Punjabi eateries to everyone.
It serves dishes like Butter Chicken and Balti Meat.
The restaurant focuses on keeping the traditional flavors people love while updating things like the decor and menu.
They carefully train staff to keep the taste the same in all of its restaurants.
Now, Dhaba 1986 is planning to open more restaurants and even go international, all while keeping the feeling of a classic Punjabi dhaba.
Dhaba 1986 was established in 1986 at The Claridges Hotel in New Delhi.
The restaurant aims to blend traditional dhaba style food with modern dining experiences.
Signature dishes include Butter Chicken, Highway Chicken Tikka, and Balti Meat.
Challenges include maintaining authenticity while expanding and ensuring consistency across locations.
Future plans involve expanding in key cities and internationally, with new formats and menu innovations.
- Who
- Rahul Khanna, Co-Founder of Azure Hospitality and Dhaba 1986.
- What
- An interview discussing the history, challenges, and future of Dhaba 1986.
- When
- The restaurant was founded in 1986.
- Where
- The Claridges Hotel, New Delhi, and various locations.
- Why
- To bring the essence of a traditional highway dhaba to a modern dining experience.
- Co-Founder
- Rahul Khanna
- Restaurant Name
- Dhaba 1986
- Year Founded
- 1986
- Original Location
- The Claridges Hotel, New Delhi
- Signature Dishes
- Butter Chicken, Highway Chicken Tikka, Dal Dhaba, Balti Meat
- Focus
- Authentic Punjabi dhaba experience