From your corner Punjabi market to the fine-dining Indian fusion restaurants in chic neighborhoods, Indian food has become a staple of the NYC dining scene. It wasn't so long ago that dishes like chicken tikka masala were unfamiliar to most Americans, but now they've become craveable, beloved dishes for many New Yorkers. Where to get your fix? Try one of our top 5 best Indian spots in NYC, from the upscale to the street cart.
Amma
For traditional Northern Indian fare (think curries, biryanis, samosas, and the like), Amma is one of the best in NYC. Fans of Indian cuisine will find all their favorites here: The creamy chicken tikka masala simply melts in your mouth, and a eye-wateringly spicy lamb vindaloo still packs a bunch of flavor behind the heat. Don't be afraid to stray from the menu staples; little-known vegetable dishes like Manchurian cauliflower also shine. What's more, a seven-course tasting menu for only $50 is one of the best deals in town.
246 E 51st St, Manhattan; 212-644-8330
Saravanaas
You might be more familiar with Northern Indian food, but head to this section of Murray Hill and you'll encounter a wealth of South Indian options, whose menus feature crepe-like dosas (flat breads topped with delicious fillings, then rolled like a wrap). Of these Indian restaurants, Saravanaas is often hailed as the favorite. The food, all vegetarian, is flavorful, filling, and affordable; you can walk away stuffed without putting down more than a $20. The restaurant is so popular, they've had to expand into the space next door!
81 Lexington Ave, Manhattan; 212-679-0204
Southern Spice
Fans of Southern Spice have noted, "This is just straight up Indian food." There are no pretenses at this Queens spot, but its huge community of fans will tell you that it serves some of the best Indian food in NYC. Venture in, and you'll encounter piles and tandoori meat, scarfed down without utensils, and delicious platters of naan, a perennial favorite . Not sure what to get on the extensive menu, which bridges both Northern and Southern cuisines? Try the mutton, one of the house specialties.
143-06 45th Ave, Queens; 212-359-3486
Devi
When Devi hit NYC in 2005, it caused an uproar. The upscale, fusion-y touches seemed a world away from the traditional, homey cooking of many Indian restaurants. But Devi has endured to become known as one of the best Indian restaurants in New York, thanks to its subtle treatment of classical Indian flavors. Many dishes here seem familiar, but reveal a depth and a harmony that many other Indian joints miss. Don't miss the inventive cocktail list, and stop by for the lunch special: $25 to dine in, and only $15 to take away a box filled with a variety of dishes.
8 E 18th St, Manhattan; 212-691-1300
N.Y. Dosas
You may have passed this Indian food spot many times without giving it a thought. That's because N.Y. Dosas is not a restaurant; it's a cart in Washington Square Park, barely indistinguishable from the many hot dog vendors that populate NYC streets. But step up to this spot and get a meal that's worth a place among the best Indian restaurants in the city. Thiru Kumar serves his dosas, filled with potato curry, with a cup of delicious lentil soup and a intensely-flavored coconut chutney. Enjoy it in the park, or eat while you have a front-row seat to Kumar's cooking.
Washington Square Park, on the corner of W 4th Street and Sullivan St, Manhattan.
Its really good and informative.
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NYC is certainly full of amazing places to dine. With many famous chefs than any other city, even the pickiest of palates is bound to find something delicious here.
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Indian Restaurant
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