Veera Da Dhaba

You can find us on God Dhad Road in Surat. We call it Veera Da Dhaba because it’s exactly that—a dhaba. It’s a wide-open place with plenty of room for trucks to park outside. We didn't want a fancy indoor restaurant with glass doors. We like the open air and the casual feel of a roadside spot. The benches are made of wood and they’re built to last. We get a lot of drivers who are on long trips through Gujarat. They need a place to rest and get a heavy meal before they get back on the road. We keep the stove going almost all day and night. It’s a simple operation. We make big batches of dal and keep the tandoor hot for fresh rotis. Surat is a busy city, but out here on the road, things feel a bit different. We don't have a menu with a hundred items. We just make a few things very well. The tea is always strong and sweet. Sometimes the weather gets really hot, but we have enough fans to keep the air moving. We don't do much in terms of decoration. There are no paintings or fancy lights. It’s just a place to eat and maybe wash your face before continuing your journey. We’ve been here for a while and the regular drivers know exactly where to pull over. It’s just honest, hard work for us every day.