If you are living in Delhi and have not tasted the food at a dhaba, you have missed out a great culinary experience. A dhaba is a small eating joint. You can find dhabas in every locality in Delhi. They are in slums, middle level and posh colonies. Dhabas are not advertised in city guides, magazines and newspapers.

Dhabas earn their publicity through the word of mouth-- the most potent and effective old world marketing tool. The dhabas generally provide excellent food at affordable rates. The customers get personalized service devoid of plastic smiles that characterize the airhostesses in the planes and waiters and   managers of the five star restaurants.

One such dhaba is located near the IIT gate as you move towards the IIFT. The dhaba is known as Mezban.

This dhaba is imbued with basic ambience that characterizes any dhaba in the capital. You will have to wait for your seat if you reach there during the ‘peak hours’. You will not find uniformed waiters in black ties telling you to wait till you lose your patience and curse for having come.  The dhaba provides you seat on first come first served basis. If you want to eat in posh interiors, you will be disappointed with Mezban. The walls of Mezban are not adorned with art work. There are no Chinese vases to spruce up the tables. If you want anything like that, you better pick up a city guide and find that kind of restaurant.

As soon as you get the seat, a dhaba boy-a chottu—approaches you within seconds and asks for your order. He will wait patiently till you browse through the menu. The menu in Mezban does not contain tongue twisting   and esoteric names of the dishes that mark out the high class restaurants. The menu here is quite simple and provides north and south Indian fare. You can get vegetarian paranthas for Rs. 15 and non-veg variety for Rs.20. These paranthas can be a gourmet delight. Other dishes such as mushrooms and chicken too are quite as delicious and cheap.

The chef at Mezban is master of his art. His preparations are in different league. He can beat even the best of the chefs in five star restaurants. The surprise comes when after gorging like a glutton, you get a bill of Rs.50-70 per head.