New York's Best Indian Restaurants

Dhamaka is an Indian restaurant in New York known for its lively atmosphere and bold, vibrant flavors. Located in Essex Market on the Lower East Side, it showcases a side of Indian cooking that’s often overlooked. Its energetic setting and spicy approach draw people seeking a memorable dining experience.

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Tom Jenkins

Food Writer

Spicy and sublime Indian food on the Lower East SideLocated in Essex Market, Dhamaka is a loud, colourful and teeth suckingly spicy restaurant focusing on Indian village food, with a fondness for offal. Incredible snacks (do not miss the papdi chaat, the beguni fried aubergine or pig's head doh khleh), grills and saucier dishes - we had a murgh kofta, a chicken mince meatball with a whole egg inside (an Indian Scotch egg, what's not to love?). And oh my, the butter, from the chapati to the rice. You will over-order, you will try dishes you've never tried before and you'll sweat. Just brilliant.

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Punjabi Deli is a small, unassuming spot in the East Village offering quick, inexpensive Indian food. It’s popular with cab drivers and neighborhood regulars who appreciate its no-frills style. Though it sits across from a well-known deli, it has earned its own loyal following over time.

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Daniel Modlin

Food & Wine Editor

An East Village institution! Indian food for $5 in a hole in the wall.Often overlooked for Katz's right across the street, Punjabi Deli is an East Village institution in its own right. Its frequented for cabbies for good reason: its quick, inexpensive, and delicious. Get the chana masala and anything that looks good. Served over a bed of rice in a styrofoam plate, some things should never ever change.

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Semma in New York brings bold Southern Indian flavors inspired by home-style cooking that you don’t often find elsewhere. Chef Vijay Kumar draws on his roots in Tamil Nadu, blending carefully layered spices with top-quality ingredients. It’s a welcoming spot to explore regional dishes in a comfortable, laid-back setting.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

Michelin level Southern Indian Cuisine Stunningly precise and delicious flavors from Chef Vijay Kumar. Casual comfort food utilizing fantastic ingredients and skillful technique.

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Hindu Temple Canteen offers a low-key way to experience South Indian flavors in a unique temple setting in Queens. Diners appreciate its welcoming community feel and straightforward, satisfying meals. Though it can be a little hidden, many say it’s worth seeking out for an authentic taste.

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Mimi Lan

Chef/ Consultant/ Foodie

We’ve never had temple food so good. Hard to find but worth it. You walk inside this temple and go downstairs to a large community room and order from a window delicious authentic South Indian food, particularly dosa, cafeteria style: tissue thin dosa, masala dosa, rava masala, spicy paneer dosa, tamarind rice, everything was delicious and so cheap.

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Eggholic – Indian Veg & Egg Street Food brings the flavors of Indian street food to Queens with a focus on egg-based options. They’re known for mixing just the right spices and cooking everything fresh, giving their dishes an authentic taste. The relaxed setting and variety of choices make it a welcoming spot to explore Indian-inspired meals without feeling overwhelmed.

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Wylie Dufresne

Chef

Eggholic - egg focused Indian street food. The green egg rice would make Dr Seuss smile. On Hillside Avenue in Queens.

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Bungalow is a welcoming Indian restaurant in New York from the team behind GupShup and Chef Vikas Khanna. It embraces India’s many culinary traditions in a bright, open space, blending classic influences with modern touches. Guests appreciate the lively atmosphere and warm hospitality that make it easy to settle in and enjoy a memorable meal.

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Robert Dentice

Food | Wine Connoisseur

Wow! The hype is more than real! Incredible Indian cuisine at a large, boisterous, energetic ball of energy restaurant. Indian cuisine is really having a moment in NYC and now you can add another great addition to this scene.

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