4 min learnPuneApr 10, 2026 07:34 PM IST
Written by Pranoy Mishra
The outdated Pune-Mumbai freeway has, over time, developed right into a journey of meals tasting with some iconic dhabas that also maintain their very own as they line the lengthy winding street. Be it travellers or transporters, these eateries are a must-stop for some genuine and weird flavours solely discovered at these spots.
Sunny da Dhaba
This can be a well-established family-run establishment that started as a dhaba-themed roadside cease in 1996. Sunny da Dhaba — named after Sumit, the youthful son of proprietor Sharad Wadhwani — developed right into a meals vacation spot for travellers and regulars alike over the previous a long time. When the restaurant had simply launched, Wadhwani would prepare dinner and have a tendency to the company, a one-man military and folks simply wouldn’t be capable of overlook their specialties, with many flocking again on the first given likelihood. Now, Amit, the elder son, helps with carrying on the legacy. With their mutton bhuna, butter rooster and bheja fry bringing patrons from Bombay since its inception, it has not too long ago gained recognition amongst Punekars. The butter rooster is extensively acclaimed. Their consideration to sustaining the genuine flavours of their dishes.
The spacious, open and comfy seating, with high quality substances and a workforce that runs like a well-oiled machine, makes one really feel proper at dwelling. A gradual enlargement with a softer, extra family-friendly atmosphere within the entrance with a sunny da theka on the again for internet hosting occasions and events, the place has seen appreciable development over time, as has their menu.
The house owners are at present engaged on launching a extra fashionable Indian delicacies place in Lonavala.
Toni da Dhaba
This one is a famend cult basic in Pune. Situated simply earlier than you enter the Lonavala area, this hard-to-miss venue was began in 1985 by Vijay Kumar Chawla, affectionately identified by family and friends as “Toni”.
The emu handi, quail, khandari guinea and duck have been standard amongst bikers and travellers alongside this route for many years. (Supply: Specific Picture)
Siddhesh and Shradha Chawla, Toni’s youngsters, are the present house owners of the place and are engaged on sustaining and upscaling the institution. With the addition of a separate constructing for vegetarian clientele, ‘Toni Greens Pure Veg’ options in depth vegetarian choices together with paneer dishes, soups, starters, Punjabi specialties and snacks. For newcomers, of their prolonged, strong menu, together with the same old Mughlai-based gravies and kebabs, they boast a choice of emu, duck and guinea fowl dishes. These unique fowls are saved in enclosures for patrons to admire on the restaurant. The attentive workers, vigorous ambiance and open-air décor make up for the often lengthy wait time.
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The emu handi, quail, khandari guinea and duck have been standard amongst bikers and travellers alongside this route for many years.
Babbi da Dhaba
Established in 1997, Babbi da Dhaba is a trucker-centric, all-inclusive institution. Run by a joint household, it’s the largest of its variety within the space and at full capability, it holds 400 vehicles. Serving North Indian and Chinese language, this place ensures fast service and a hearty meal at any time of the day. Finest identified for his or her garlic chana and particular rooster bhuna, the succulent paneer and rooster tikkas are a must-try, and each meal ends with a lassi. The menu contains homely meals with a big selection in each veg and non-veg.
Their no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point method of service and menu is apt, given their quantity. Lassi and Chaas should not the one chilled drinks served right here, with loads of choices and a allow room to booze it up. Whereas their main crowd consists of truckers from everywhere in the nation, the youthful lot might discover this place to be an ideal pitstop on their journey.
At any given evening, they feed and watch over lots of of drivers, with a devoted safety workforce, floodlights, and committment to their work, they’ve made their identify well-known within the transport group throughout India and now have a household room for normal purchasers.
