We often see a particular hospitality brand opening up its branches from one city to another but here the story is different. ‘Baujee Ka Dhaba’ treats food lovers at one location and then takes the taste to a new land, new location, new audience which makes it the first and only moving restaurant of India. The concept has now found its ground at Ramada, Jalandhar and is ready to cater the Punjabi food lovers with its blend of films and food. Tisha Mehra, young designer for the Dhaba tells us the story which started in 1998 from Hauz Khas village, Delhi, traveled through Gurgaon and now landed in Punjab.Interestingly, the name Baujee comes from Tisha’s grandfather Late Shri Om Prakash Mehra, who was a culinary specialist during the British era and had much love for food and films. His one son Rakeysh Mehra, known film writer-director took up the filmy road and the other son Rajan Mehra (Tisha’s father) dived into the food business.
Tisha told, “My father Rajan and mother Anupama personally manage the Dhaba and make it an experience which is more than just dining. You will find my dad in the kitchen and mom would be attending and hosting the guests as they believe in personal relationships. This is somewhere the reason we do not open branches and are always present at the new location.”From ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ to ‘Satte Pe Satta’, the interiors and design of the Dhaba truly depict the essence of Bollywood. LP records hanging on the pillars, the face of a truck welcoming you in, chairs wearing traditional Punjabi outfits, etc. will make your day colorful. And yes there is a special ‘Padosan’ corner where all the faces of the film are peeping out of the window in a 3D way to stare at the Padosan. Then there is Talli Gali for the bottle lovers. Not to miss is the Chaiwala sitting on the wall alongside the poster of Dev Anand’s ‘Jewel Thief’. For the romantic couples the ‘Shree 420’ corner is ready with a black umbrella hanging over the table.
Talking about the food, Tisha said, “Foodies can experience and relish a wide range of authentic North Indian cuisine from our speciality, Peshawari Raan and Dehi Kebabs to the mouthwatering Dal Makhani and your very own tandoor on the table in Kabab Bharey Tandoor. Not to forget are our specialties that include Dumpukht style cooking, Paaya Curry, Pyaaz Hari Mirch Ki Roti, in- house made Chutneys and Achaars.”“My parents are the soul of BKD. Dad takes care of the kitchen, maintaining recipes from my grandfather’s era and mom sees the designing of the place and hosting of the guests. People just love the duo," adds Tisha who professionally works as an assistant director for Hindi films and based in Mumbai. She has worked with her uncle Rakeysh Mehra and other known film makers. “It is in the blood. We all are filmy and foodies, hence, Baujee Ka Dhaba and believe in catering our audiences with the best,"she signs off.For menus and more information in lovely background music, visit www.baujeekadhaba.com