There’s a reason why Indian restaurants are so popular in New York City: they are among the best places in the world to get a taste of authentic, home-cooked cuisine. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, these restaurants have the best of everything: from traditional curries and biryanis to fried street food.
NEIGHBORHOOD EATING
If you live in the East Village, go to Dhamaka, where chef Chintan Pandya and restauranteur Roni Mazumdar showcase cuisine from India’s lesser-known regions. Their menu is incredibly varied, and the dishes are always delicious. They serve a 3-course prix fixe menu or a la carte options.
LOWER EAST SIDE | HAVAL TIGER: This casual spot is perfect for those who want to enjoy classic Indian cuisine in an informal setting. It is a great choice for families, couples and business professionals.
WEST VILLAGE: SEMMA, a newish West Village restaurant by chef Roni Mazumdar and restauranteur Chintan Pandya, serves food from the southern states of Karnataka, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. You’ll find a variety of vegetarian options, as well as meats and seafood.
SOUTH INDIAN: TEMPLE CANTEEN: A popular South Indian cafeteria below a Hindu temple in Flushing, Temple Canteen is one of the best places in NYC to grab a dosa or idly. The dosas here are crisp and airy, filled with fresh vegetables or meat, and served with a generous helping of chutneys.
INDO-CHINESE & NORTH INDIAN:
A small eatery in Midtown East, Spice Symphony is one of the best spots in the city to eat Indo-Chinese dishes. The chicken tikka masala is especially good, swimming in enough creamy sauce to drench both rice and bread.
DOWNTOWN: INDIA TABLE: Helmed by a Goan-born chef, this sleek and recently revamped spot specializes in the fare of the small coastal state, though it is broad ranging, too. You’ll also find regional favorites from other Indian areas, including Kashmiri lamb kolumbu and fiery Chettinad chicken from Tamil Nadu.
THELEWALA: A counter-style nizami roll and chaats shop in Greenwich Village that is open until 2 am on the weekends and 5 am during the week, THELEWALA is the perfect place to stop when you’re craving an Indian snack. The nizami rolls are spicy and packed with flavor, while the chaats come in a variety of flavors, ranging from a tamarind-based dip to garlic and onion chutney to mint and cilantro chutney.
BROOKLYN: JAXON DINER: Jackson Diner has been a staple in the neighborhood since 1980, and it’s still going strong. The menu is full of tandoori meats and curries, as well as snacks like batatavada (potato balls fried in a chickpea flour batter), ful cobi (based on cauliflower and peas) and samosas.
JACKSON HEIGHTS: THE KASHMIRI CITY DELIVERY: This modest eatery is named after the fourth largest city in the Punjab, and it delivers affordable and magnificent meals that consist of a main course, a couple of sides and bread — more than an average diner can eat.