Papa Pancho is synonymous with authentic punjabi cuisine. I have been to this tiny dhaba a couple of times and not once have I left disappointed. To begin with, it has a very unique setting. Khatiyas with colorful upholstery and teakwood tables adorn the open area. The inner section is small and divided into 2 parts - lower area with 5-6 tables and the upper area with 4 tables (seating is very low here and anyone slightly taller than average cant stand upright as the ceiling is too low). The motifs completely live up to the dhaba feel as though they have been brought here straight from the villages of Punjab.
The seating is cramped up but with the feel of the place I choose to ignore that. A great deal of effort has gone into the detailing of the place right from the ambiance, seating and serving plates/glasses (which by the way are of heavy brass metal).
The menu comes to you on a board and the specials of the day are scribbled on a slate with chalk. The menu is every bit punjabi that you could think of. I've always been a fan of their main course. I've tried Chicken Makhani, Bhuna Ghosht, Rara Paneer and Chicken Saagwala. They come with Parantha/Rice, dal makhani, curd and pickle. The mains are juicy and succulent. No complains here! Dal makhani is rich and creamy. The whole thali is quite filling if you just add an extra parantha. If you are at any dhaba you HAVE TO order a Lassi or else you can't claim to have a punjabi meal. Its the same here. They serve one of the best lassi's around which is oh-so-thick that I always have to sit an extra 5-7min to slowly gulp it down.
The service is a little slow considering the size of the place but the staff is quite responsive. The rates are affordable and an appetizing meal for 2 should be anywhere around Rs 600-Rs 700. If you are looking to have a quiet meal, chuck this place since it lives up to the theme - fun and loud.
aditin85
