A Taste of India: Top Indian Restaurants in New York

New York City is home to some of the best restaurants and chefs on the planet. It is a cultural melting pot of tastes and traditions that are heavily influenced by the richly varied inhabitants of this city. New York is a place to find amazing cuisine that is prepared and cooked just like in its native country.

In fact, many Indian transplants are able to find the food that their grandmothers made them at their local takeaway store. If food is good enough for those who grew up on the dishes, then you know its authentic. As a result, many flock to the best Indian restaurants in the city to get a taste of the distinct cuisines offered by different regions of India.

The most well known place to go for Indian food is at the aptly named “Curry Hill.” This nickname is a humorous take on the neighborhood’s main drag, Murray Hill, as it is full of Indian restaurants and take out eateries. It is essentially a Little India smacked right in the heart of New York City.

Of course, there are plenty of neighborhoods to find amazing Indian food in this city if you know where to look. The following lists will help you find the best of the best when it comes to getting your fill of spicy curries and other flavorful dishes from India.

Banjara

Banjara is a fabulous pick for those on a budget. Its address at 97 on 1st Avenue puts it a central location. However, its food makes people from all over the city trek to this well kept local secret. You will spend a fraction of the price on a delicious meal for two than what you pluck down for one at a more expensive joint.
Do not let its seemingly average decor fool you because this is Indian food at its finest.

You can choose from an array of meat dishes and curries that will whip your taste-buds into overdrive. Main meals begin at just over ten dollars. Some crowd favorites include the Banjara Baingun, a spicy eggplant dish, and their version of the Onion Bhaji. Just do not be surprised if you become a regular at Banjara thanks to its incredible food at budget friendly prices.

Chutney

Ask any New Yorker in the know, and they will list Chutney one of the landmarks for Indian food in the city. This well loved restaurant has catering to the city’s experts on Indian food for nearly twenty years. It began as an outpost in the Hamptons before it became a local Upper West Side favorite. There are several locations for you to choose from depending on your own preferred neighborhood.

Just be warned: go early or prepare for wait because it can get crowded during lunch and dinner hours. However, its incredibly filling dishes are well worth any waiting time you have to do. Their Thali special is well known all over New York for providing you with a filling meal that includes rice, veggies, soup, naan, and accompanying sauces. Chutney is also famous for its Dosa pastries and sandwiches under ten dollars. Visit Chutney hungry because you will want to save room for all this place has to offer.

Vatan

If you are looking for Indian restaurant that specializes in vegetarian food, then Vatan is your destination. The restaurant’s charming decor will transport you across the world to a private Indian home that severs your lavish meals to share with your dining partners. There are two locations in New York; one is at 409 Third Avenue and the other at 97 First Avenue. The food itself is what you would expect for any great Indian restaurant- plenty of flavor, spices, and choices to keep you satisfied.

Chola

Chola is another great New York Indian restaurant for those with a limited budget. It occupies a colorful and festive place at 232 East 58th Street. The place can get crowded quickly as it has been mentioned in every guide book for great food in New York. However, you will not have to wait long to get a taste of some of the best curry in the city. Of course, you can also get your fill of more traditional lamb and shrimp dishes if you prefer to lay off the heavy spices. Chola is ideal for tourists and locals who want a quick taste of New York Indian cuisine at an affordable price.