Restaurant Review of the Week:
Punjab Dhaba

By Darien Bates

Smells are important, dare I say crucial when it comes to restaurants. Going out to eat is an omni-sensory experience, as has long been pointed out by chefs who specialize in the visual art of cooking. The saying goes, “You eat with your eyes.”

But it is also true that the three other senses are just as important in enjoying a dinner out; the texture of the food, the sound of the restaurant–the music and the ambient noise–and of course the smells. It is in this last sense that I have to admit a bias, as far as varieties of cuisine go.

I am sure there will be many who disagree, arguing that the smell of pizza and garlic bread trumps all, but I am of the opinion that quality restaurants serving Indian Cuisine also offer the most for one’s olfactory glands. The combination of curry spices, marinated meats and fresh baked bread (Naan) generally makes for a rich, intense atmosphere, likely to clear your head and get your stomach grumbling.

Of course dining at an Indian restaurant caters to the other four senses as well, something apparent at Punjab Dhaba, in Loehmann’s Plaza on Arlington Blvd. in Falls Church.

The name Punjab Dhaba refers to the region and type of establishment. Punjab is an area in Northern India known for its rich cultural heritage and strong agriculture. Dhaba, meanwhile, refers to a type of roadside restaurant offering quick service, often to go. Less formal, the dhaba is a nice choice for a lunch or just a quick break.

The Falls Church incarnation of Punjab Dhaba represents well both its area and genre, after which it was named, providing fast and spicy Indian cuisine in a casual, comfortable atmosphere.

At Punjab Dhaba one orders first at the counter before sitting down at one of the many tables in the dining area, a format similar to most fast food restaurants. But it is there that the similarities end. The varieties of curry, vegetables and meat dishes are all prepared with care, including the naan, baked fresh to order.

Despite being ideal for a quick meal, the restaurant is inviting for more reasons than just the tantalizing smells. The cool, mellow atmosphere is surprisingly relaxing with deep red carpets and subtle lighting, and the wall is hung with a series of fascinating pictures and panels displaying different cultural aspects and people of Punjab.

Because of the carpet, the restaurant has a pleasant muffled tone to it, with Indian music played quietly in the background, just at the level where you can forget it’s there, but the calming effect of the Sitar music remains.

One of the biggest draws for eager eaters is the lunch and dinner buffet, which allows you to quickly fill your plate with curry, rice, chicken and a variety of other dishes as quickly as you can order. The buffet is only $5.95 for lunch and $7.95 for dinner.

On the rest of the menu, good choices include the Murg Tika, chicken marinated in spices and herbs and baked in the oven. The chicken has a delightful charcoal essence and the spices are subtle yet interesting.

Also good, the Lamb Pullav is sautéed in spices and served with rice and nuts. On the side are a variety of sauces, including a very pleasant mango chutney.

Overall, Punjab Dhaba is a nice oasis during a long afternoon to get a spicy and cheap bite to eat.