Are you looking for the most authentic Indian restaurant in New York City? Look no further! From Bombay-inspired flavors to traditional offerings, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're a vegan, pescatarian, or carnivore, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the best Indian restaurants in NYC that you should definitely check out. Panjabi Grocery and Deli is a café located in the Union Square area.
It's the perfect spot for vegans, pescatarians, and carnivores alike. The name of the café means “conversation” and you'll have plenty to talk about as you sample their exclusive versions of Bombay-inspired flavors. Try their crispy okra and guacamole or Gupshup fried chicken. You can also enjoy more traditional dishes like curried chickpeas and black dahl.
Don't forget to try their buttered naan – it's absolutely divine! If you're looking for a menu to combine with bread (roti, paratha, Mumbai's fluffy bread pav) and fillings (chicken tikka, slow-cooked lamb bhuna, slow-cooked lamb bhuna, paneer with tomatoes and green chilies), then head over to Buy a mango lassi and a nizam roll at this Indian street food store. Vegans will love the options available at this 22-seat venue covered with colorful wall tapestries and cashmere prints. The restaurant has been offering meal kits since the pandemic began. Carnivores will enjoy their classic dishes like saag paneer and chicken tikka masala.
Vegetarians should definitely try their Malai Kofta. Hemant Mathur's restaurant is another great option for Indian food in Manhattan. They offer both vegetarian and meat dishes like paneer kali murch (cheese in a creamy black pepper sauce) and achari bindi (okra in a sauce with an intense Indian pickle flavor). If you're looking for something a bit more creative, then head over to Shiva Natarajan's gastronomic empire.
Here you'll find regional Indian food with local ingredients from New York. You can also try Masti's Balti Anglo-Indian cuisine which offers North and South Indian dishes as well as one or two dishes from West Bengal. Semma is another great option for West Village diners. This restaurant is run by Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya and specializes in food from the South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Chef Vijay Kumar is from this region so you know the food will be authentic! Jaz Rupall's newcomer to Hell's Kitchen is another great option for North Indian cuisine with a Balti twist (an Indian cooking style popular in the United Kingdom). Sahib travels all over North India to collect recipes so you know you're getting the real deal here! There are only four types of bone-in goat curry including one from Kashmir and another from Calcutta – a good measure of the seriousness of an Indian restaurant. Finally, if you're looking for something more upscale, then check out Eric McCarthy's elegant restaurant – Indian Table – which specializes in food from Goa but offers much more than that. You'll find creative and nuanced versions of classic dishes here along with strong cocktails that will attract a whole new generation of diners.
