Reading this story about Punjabi dhabas along US highways was heart-warming. The idea that you can get desi comfort food in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming is particularly wonderful. The element of unexpected and surprise is the best part. It would be not nearly the same thing to find such an establishment in Edison, NJ. There have been long road-trips where I have been hungry and yet none of the food options along the way really appealed to me.
So we drove some more in hopes of having better choices and ultimately settled for something that far from comforting. Imagine running into a place that served sabzi, roti and hot chai. I can't think of a better outcome for one such as myself. Though truth be told, Punjabi food holds universal appeal - you don't have to be from the sub-continent to love it. The set of spices, the degree of warmth and color along with the variation is taste is just right. Everything in balance, nothing too overwhelming but always comforting. I am rooting for Mintu's success across the US and putting dhaba food on the map.
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