A Spoonful of Comfort: Discovering Dal on the NCL Getaway

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One of the most surprising—and delightful—food experiences on our cruise aboard the NCL Getaway wasn’t in a specialty restaurant, but in the Garden CafĂ© buffet. Each day, among the endless options of international cuisine, we found ourselves returning to a warm, humble dish that quickly became a favorite: dal.

Yes, dal! A comforting, soul-warming Indian lentil stew that feels like a hug in a bowl. We didn’t expect to find such authentic flavors at sea, but this dal was delicious—flavorful, creamy, lightly spiced, and satisfying every single time.

What is Dal?

Dal (also spelled daal or dahl) is a staple of Indian cuisine, and there are countless variations across the regions of India. The version we tasted on the cruise was made from chana dal, which are split yellow chickpeas. When cooked, they break down into a hearty, creamy stew packed with earthy flavor and a comforting, nutty aroma.

We were so impressed, we had to learn more—and even looked up how to make it ourselves!

Why Chana Dal is a Big Deal 🌱

Chana dal isn’t just tasty—it’s a nutritional powerhouse.

According to this Hemani Chana Dal product page on Amazon, chana dal is:

  • Rich in protein – great for vegetarians and vegans.

  • Packed with fiber – promoting digestion and gut health.

  • Low glycemic – which can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

  • High in iron and essential vitamins – fueling your body with long-lasting energy.

It’s no wonder chana dal is considered a staple across India. It’s good for you and it tastes amazing.

Want to Try It Yourself?

If your tastebuds are already tingling, you can absolutely make dal at home! We found an easy and authentic dal recipe from RecipeTin Eats. It’s simple, satisfying, and you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples and spices like cumin, turmeric, garlic, and ginger.

Pro tip: Pair it with rice or naan, and maybe a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon. Perfection.

Why We Loved It Onboard

On a ship filled with everything from pasta to prime rib, it was comforting to find this humble, homey Indian dish quietly sitting at the buffet. We often sampled a little bit of every Indian dish offered each day, but the dal kept winning us over. It was a small but wonderful reminder that great food doesn’t have to be extravagant—it just needs to be made with love.

Here’s to cruising, discovering new flavors, and bringing the taste of our adventures home with us!

Stay curious (and hungry),
—The Trekking Pawns 🌍✨

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