Fish Tikka in the Dhaba Style: A Smoky, Spicy, and Genuine Indian Highway Flavor.

Fish Tikka in the Dhaba Style: Learn how to make authentic Dhaba Style Fish Tikka at home with this easy, smoky, and spicy recipe. A perfect North Indian appetizer packed with bold flavors and tandoori aroma.

 

By Amit Kaul
Location: India
Published on: February 26, 2026 

 

If you love bold North Indian flavors, this Dhaba Style Fish Tikka recipe is a must-try. Inspired by India’s iconic roadside eateries, this smoky and spicy fish tikka delivers authentic tandoori taste right from your kitchen. Juicy chunks of fish marinated in yogurt, mustard oil, and aromatic spices are grilled to perfection, creating a mouthwatering appetizer that’s perfect for dinner parties, weekend meals, or festive gatherings.

This recipe combines rustic spices with a charred, smoky finish that defines traditional highway dhabas. Whether cooked in an oven, on a grill pan, or in an air fryer, this recipe guarantees restaurant-style results at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Dhaba Style Fish Tikka Recipe

1. Authentic North Indian dhaba flavor
2. Smoky, spicy, and juicy texture
3. High-protein and healthy
4. Quick and easy to prepare
5. Perfect starter or side dish

The secret to perfect dhaba-style fish tikka lies in the marinade and the high-heat cooking technique that locks in juices while creating a slightly charred outer layer.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1. 500 grams firm fish (Rohu, Surmai, or Salmon), cut into cubes
2. 1 cup thick curd (hung yogurt)
3. 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 tablespoon mustard oil
5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
6. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
7. 1 teaspoon red chili powder
8. 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder (for color)
9. 1 teaspoon garam masala
10. 1 teaspoon coriander powder
11. ½ teaspoon cumin powder
12. ½ teaspoon chaat masala
13. Salt to taste
14. 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan), lightly roasted

For Garnishing:

1. Onion rings
2. Lemon wedges
3. Fresh coriander
4. Mint chutney

How to Make Dhaba Style Fish Tikka

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Wash and pat dry the fish pieces thoroughly. Moisture can prevent proper marination and grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, lemon juice, turmeric, chili powders, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, roasted besan, and salt. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Marinate the Fish

Coat the fish cubes evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours for deep flavor absorption. For best results, marinate overnight.

Step 4: Skewer and Grill

Thread the marinated fish onto skewers. Grill in a preheated oven at 200°C for 12–15 minutes or until slightly charred. You can also cook on a grill pan or an air fryer. Brush with a little butter for extra richness.

Step 5: Add Smoky Flavor (Optional)

For authentic dhaba-style fish tikka, place a small hot charcoal piece in a bowl inside the cooked tikka dish, pour a few drops of ghee over it, and cover immediately for 2 minutes to infuse smoky aroma.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Add fresh coriander, lemon wedges, and onion rings as garnish. Serve with mint chutney.

 Expert Tips

1. Use firm fish to prevent breaking.
2. Hung curd prevents watery marinade.
3. Mustard oil enhances authentic dhaba flavor.
4. Do not overcook; fish cooks quickly.
5. High heat ensures smoky char.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Fish Tikka with:

1. Laccha Paratha
2. Jeera Rice
3. Green chutney
4. Fresh salad
5. It also works beautifully as a party starter or high-protein evening snack.

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 Final Thoughts

This dhaba-style fish tikka recipe brings the rustic charm of Indian highways straight to your dining table. The smoky aroma, spicy marinade, and juicy fish create an irresistible dish that food lovers crave. If you enjoy authentic North Indian flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Try this homemade dhaba-style fish tikka today and experience bold, unforgettable flavors!

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Amit Kaul is a food content writer and digital publisher based in India. He specializes in creating original, experience-driven recipes and home-cooking guides. All recipes published on this website are personally researched, tested, and written by him, following Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.