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With 28 states, six regions, 16 official languages, a multitude of religions, and over a billion inhabitants, India is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. And its rich food culture is no exception. From the dry north and the desert filled west to the tropical southwest, India’s various regions offer a wide variety of culinary experiences. And for those who are curious to try some of these local delicacies, there is no need to leave Manhattan. CitySaheli has put together a non-exhaustive list of NYC restaurants serving Indian regional cuisine. Enjoy!
Punjabi cuisine is known for its rich and heavy delicacies with lots of milk, cream, and ghee, as well as onion, garlic and ginger. A lot of Indian food found at western restaurants is actually from this northwestern region, like tandoori chicken, paneer and biryanis, as well as naans and pakoras.
Bhatti Indian Grill on “Curry Hill” serves all types of dishes from Punjab, a region they like to call “the land of plenty.” From lamb and seafood to mushrooms and pineapple pieces, this Gramercy grill throws both veggies and meats on to the ‘Bhatti’ and serves them with a large choice of naans and raitas.
100 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 683 4228
Goan gastronomy is influenced by four hundred years of Portuguese colonization and its location by the Arabian Sea. Fish, seafood and coconut are all musts in Goan cooking, along with milder specialties like kalputi and bhaji. Christian influences are seen in meals like pork vindaloo and the vegetable stew known as khatkhate.
Brick Lane Curry House on the East Village’s “Curry Row” got its name after the famous street in London where some of the best Indian curries in England are consumed. While this restaurant serves a wide variety of Indian dishes, they have a Goan option with green chilies and coconut combined with a choice of fish, shrimp, meat or veggies.
306-308 East 6th Street
New York, NY
(212) 979 2900
Gujarati goodies include vegetarian dishes like tomato, potato, eggplant, and squash curry. Famous favorites from this region include kadhi, a soup with yogurt and chickpea flour, puri or puffed wheat bread, and toor daal.
When you enter Vatan restaurant, you step into a whole new world. A massive pinkish statue of Ganesh overlooks the spacious seating area with cozy booths and hand painted tables. Vatan is all vegetarian and offers a four-course prix fixe menu for $31, which consists of an appetizer, a choice of Thali, and dessert with chai.
409 Third Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 689 5666
South Indian savories can be spicy! The region is known for using a lot of pickles, chilies, tamarind, garlic, and oil. A local must is the delicious dosa, a protein rich crepe made of rice and lentils and filled with various veggies!
Madras Mahal in Curry Hill is known for its delicious dosas. If you have a sore throat, be sure to start with the rasam, a tangy tomato broth that is sure to clear anything up. The paper dosas are larger than the tables here. Be sure to try the Mysore Rava Masala Dosa. The potatoes melt in your mouth, you will definitely coming back to Madras Mahal for more.
104 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 684 4010
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