🕰️Since 1969
55+ Years on NH24
Moga Punjabi Dhaba has been on NH24 since 1969 - which means it pre-dates the highway it sits on in its current form. Fifty-five years of serving the same route, from truckers in the early days to families heading to Jim Corbett and Nainital now. The dhaba is run by the Godara family, with related establishments (Moga Punjabi Tadka, Moga Tourist Dhaba) on nearby stretches of the same highway - the 1969 original is a specific one, not just the nearest "Moga" sign you see from the road.
What keeps food writers and regular travelers coming back specifically to this one rather than the cluster of competitors that have grown up around it: the Dal Punjabi Tadka and the tandoori rotis. One reviewer who has written about highway food for years described the dal as having "a fantastic taste" and the tandoori rotis as light and crisp yet soft in a way that never happens in Delhi - and attributed it to the atta, the water, and the tandoor that has been in continuous use for decades.
The family and its establishments
All three Moga establishments - Moga Punjabi Dhaba Since 1969, Moga Punjabi Tadka, and Moga Tourist Dhaba - are under Sr. Prabhudayal Singh Godara's family. The 1969 original is the founding establishment; the Tadka variant (opposite Gajraula Haveli Resort, open 5 AM–midnight) is well-regarded for the same cooking traditions and is more easily spotted from the road. A manager or family representative is consistently present at one of the locations during operating hours.
What to order
The must-orders from consistent reviewer accounts: Dal Punjabi Tadka (served in a small metal bucket, finished with a heavy chhaunkh of red chillies, garlic, and desi ghee), Aloo Pyaz Ka Paratha, Missi Roti, and Paneer Kali Mirch. The peeli dal and dal makhni also appear regularly in positive reviews. Avoid the steamed rice according to reviewers who've tried both. Save room for the paan and kulfi from the vendors outside the entrance, which come up in nearly every positive review as the meal's proper ending.
Getting there - a specific navigation note
Multiple reviewers flag this: there are several "Moga"-named dhabas on NH24 and you can easily pull into the wrong one. The original 1969 establishment is between Garh Mukteshwar and Gajraula - cross the Garh Mukteshwar bridge, cross the toll, then watch for the bi-pole Moga signage on your left about a kilometre further. It is not in Gajraula town proper. Getting into the service lane requires a deliberate turn - the parking area is set back from the highway and not visible until you've made the turn.
Why it works for road trips with dogs
The outdoor seating, generous parking, clean washrooms, and consistent quality since 1969 make this a reliable stop on any journey toward the Kumaon hills. At around 95 km from Delhi it sits between Shiva Dhaba at Babugarh (80 km, earlier stop) and Kundan's at Gajraula (120 km, later stop) - giving the Delhi-Corbett/Nainital route three distinct verified stops at sensible intervals. Dogs get a proper walk during the stop, and the outdoor seating means nobody has to sit in the car.
Practical details
Located between Garh Mukteshwar and Gajraula on NH24. The Moga Punjabi Tadka variant (same family, same food traditions) is open 5 AM to midnight. Ample organised parking. Clean restrooms confirmed across multiple independent reviews. Primarily vegetarian. Cash preferred on highway dhabas of this era - confirm payment options if needed.
