Since its opening in June 2008, Dhaba has become the centerpiece of India Plaza—an authentic Punjabi restaurant. Arora named it after roadside India refuges—“dhabas.” Hungry travelers look for these stops in even the most inhospitable places because they offer inexpensive home-style cooking.

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Dhaba features rich, multi-textured cuisine from one of the country’s northernmost provinces. At Dhaba, you’ll enjoy favorites such as Gulshan e Bahar, an assortment of vegetable pakoras served with house chutneys, Tikka Masala and Tandoori Chicken. An extensive vegetarian menu is also available.

Executive chef, Talwinder Dhaliwal is from Punjab. “He prides himself on providing a true homestyle cooking experience, avoids colorings, artificial agents and other additives,” Arora notes. The new sous chef, Manjit Hoti, is also a native of Punjab. Tony Fesianes, the operations manager, is a 30-year hospitality industry veteran who oversees service, wine selection and customer interface.