New York City is home one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the world. The restaurant scene in the city ranges from push carts where pedestrians can grab a cheap, quick bite to eat to some of the most expensive, upscale dining establishments on the planet. Indian restaurants are plentiful, with much variation in the types that can be found. North Indian, South Indian and vegetarian are all types of cuisine which can be sampled in the best Indian establishments in the Big Apple.
Widely regarded as one of the best places to get vegetarian Indian cuisine, Vatan offers a laid-back, casual atmosphere designed to resemble an Indian courtyard. Adorned with thatched roofs and hand-painted tables, diners choose from a four course all-you-can-eat prix fixe menu. Appetizer choices include ragda patis (potato cutlet in white bean sauce), khaman (puffed cream of wheat flour cakes) and mirchi bhajia (fried hot peppers in sauce). Diners can choose from entrees, such as chole (chickpeas cooked with tamarind and garam masala), bhaji (sauteed spinach and corn) and toor dal (boiled lentils cooked with spices).
Vatan
409 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10016
212-689-5666
vatanny.com
Banjara is known for having some of the best tandoori clay-oven specialties in the city. Guests are greeted with the smell of fragrant spices and festive, artistic décor. Featured dishes include Dhaka kathi roll (grilled chicken tikka salad wrapped in flat bread), lal maas (spicy lamb, fresh coriander, red chilies and browned onions) and murg tandoori (chicken marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoori). All dishes are served with basmati rice. Other entrée choices include butter chicken, mushroom hari moti-diced mushrooms and peas and jhinga til tikka (prawns marinated with mint and sesame seeds).
Banjara
97 First Ave.
New York, NY 10003
212-477-5956
banjaranyc.com
Chola is well known to be one of the best Indian restaurants for a good bargain. In 2009, Zagat rated it as best buffet and best buy. Geometric patterns adorn the walls a colorful, orderly fashion in the modern, relaxed atmosphere. Start with an appetizer such as lasoni gobi (batter fried cauliflower), ragara patties (potato patties, chickpeas, yogurt and tamarind) or pudina paneer tikka (grilled paneer cheese with bell peppers, onions and green masala). Entrees include lamb vindaloo, shrimp kabob masala, chili chicken and Chennai goat curry.
Chola
232 E. 58th Street
New York, NY 10022
212-688-4619
cholamidtowneast.com
