SLC30-W2 | 24 Hours Travel Reporter : Famous Eating Zone

This week I tried one of the most rocking restaurants in my area. Today, on 14th March, 2026, we visited Jain Masala Shikanji & Restaurant, Meerut.

We decided to have our lunch as we wanted to enjoy the outside weather, which was a lot better, and my wife was not in the mood to eat at home. So we decided to start early and visited this famous eating zone in Modipuram Area.

Jain Masala Shikanji & Restaurant offers a diverse vegetarian menu focusing on Indian, Chinese, South Indian, and Jain specialties. Popular items include flavorful shikanji drinks, dosas, and curries at budget-friendly prices.

Jain Masala Shikanji & Restaurant on NH-58 Jatoli Bypass near BPCL Petrol Pump in Meerut offers on-site parking suitable for highway travelers. Highway-side eateries like this one typically provide open-air parking spaces directly in front of the restaurant, accommodating cars and bikes.

We arrived early and sat near the entrance, especially as we wanted to have multiple courses and be able to report on multiple dishes of this famous chain of restaurants. They serve traditional dishes, lunch and dinner, in a wonderful atmosphere.

It's an old as well as traditional restaurant, so we tried their two food items from different times. We visited just once, but we tried light snacks as we hadn't had our breakfast, and later we ordered our lunch to avoid multiple visits.

We selected this restaurant, as we love this famous eating zone, Jain Masala Shikanji & Restaurant, because it traces its roots to 1957, when its original owner and his wife crafted a secret masala blend for shikanji at a roadside stall near Modinagar on the Delhi-Modipram highway.

I would like to answer these 4 questions first:

01 What kind of famous food places have you been to? Briefly introduce it.

Jain Masala Shikanji & Restaurant on NH-58 Jatoli Bypass is a longstanding vegetarian highway gem, rooted in a 1957 legacy from Modinagar, where founders created a signature masala shikanji using jambiri lemon, black pepper, and cumin for a refreshing, medicinal thirst-quencher paired with crispy pakodas.​

 
This family-run chain specializes in pure vegetarian (no onion/garlic), North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese fare like dosas, curries, chole bhature, and poori sabji, ideal for quick traveler stops for its tasty, hygienic food; friendly service; and cozy interiors with warm lighting, though mains can be oily.

Overall it's a reliable spot for families and commuters seeking flavorful, no-fuss veggie meals in a welcoming ambiance perfect for food trips. We always expect a nice lunch, ample parking, and budget pricing within our budget for two.

02 How were the interior and exterior decoration, food quality, and service? (With pictures, prices, and videos)

• Interior and Exterior: Jain Masala Shikanji & Restaurant on Jatoli Bypass, in my view, is positive with a strong liking for food and service. The interior features a cozy, refined ambiance with warm lighting and tasteful decor, often called pleasant and inviting for family meals. The exteriors show ornate signage and potted plants, giving a welcoming roadside appeal typical of highway eateries.

• Food Quality: Shikanji stands out as exceptional—refreshing, tasty, and medicinal with quality ingredients like jambiri lemon; pakodas and snacks like paneer dishes get my high marks for flavor and hygiene. Some mains like pav bhaji get average feedback for being oily or mediocre, but overall vegetarian fare is reliable and value-driven. My favorite dish here is Cheese Momos.

• Service: Staff is friendly and quick, with self-service in AC areas noted as efficient during busy times. I appreciate their attentiveness and safety measures, though occasional crowding leads to minor complaints. It is a family-friendly restaurant and has a separate kids' menu.