A long drive and a hearty meal at a roadside dhaba go hand in hand. But those who don’t have time to make that trip, just step into Appetite in the heart of Jamshedpur.

Yes, highway dining has got a new address — the restaurant of JK Residency. The Sakchi-based dining destination is hosting a 10-day food fest, Truly Highway, from January 4 to 15.

And not only the spicy delicacies on offer, even the ambience — a dimly lit lantern, a gigantic rubber tyre and a welcome gate made of haystacks — will transport you to one of the dhabas you so have been wanting to visit. And there are trucks, trailers and buses too — all made of thermocol and adorning the walls as you climb your way up to the fifth floor of the hotel.

“The highway dhabas and bistros may not be very well decorated and do not give you the feeling of a swanky restaurant, but people certainly relish the food there. Given our busy schedule, we hardly get a chance to go on long drives and taste the highway food. Hence, we wanted to recreate the atmosphere of such highway restaurants, motels and dhabas to give a different experience to our visitors,” said Appetite manager Amit Mohanty.

Haystacks, rubber tyres and thermocol figures give you the dhaba feel at Appetite in Sakchi. Pictures by Bhola Prasad

On offer is a special al-a-carte menu. Foodies will be spoilt for choice with as many as 120 varieties of soup, starters and main course dishes are up for grab. And traditional Punjabi dishes like chicken tawa masala and mutton rara served in clay pots are must-haves. But don't forget to try piping hot pakoras, bhajis and bhujiyas.

Adding to the ambience are peppy Bollywood numbers, which keep playing in the background, in true dhaba style.

For your sweet tooth, the hotel has lined up a delightful dessert chart. Forget those new-age ice creams, mousse and souffle and instead dig into traditional gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa and shahi tukda.

A good sumptuous meal for two will set one back by around Rs 600. And do not forget to ask for your complimentary tea.

“Tea is one of the most popular and necessary drinks on highway. That is why we have made it complimentary here,” added manager Mohanty.