If you’re hosting an event with guests who have a variety of preferences and dietary restrictions, Indian catering is a great choice.
Most Indian restaurants have a variety of dishes that are naturally gluten-free, some that are dairy-free, and many that are vegetarian. No other kind of cuisine offers the rich, spicy flavors Indian food creates, leaving guests wondering what the “secret ingredient” is in every dish they try.
We've searched NYC and compiled a list of the ten best Indian restaurants according to Yelp and Google reviews, in no particular order, just for you. After you take a look at these, you'll want to compare NYC Indian catering quotes.
Representing the northern Punjab region of India, Tamarind Tribeca brings familiar flavors to connoisseurs of India cuisine. Their well-crafted appetizers include aloo tikkis (spicy potato cakes) with pomegranate and mint chutney, vegetable samosas, and Punjabi tikhe kabab. Make your next gathering special by trying one of their platters, which include seafood, mixed tandoori grilled meats, or a vegetarian plate with vegetables, lentils, rice and a vegetable kabab.
This restaurant has built a reputation on a new dish they introduced to New York: the Kati Roll. Their Kati Rolls are made up of spiced meat and vegetables, laid in an Indian flatbread. The rolls come in many varieties, with something for everyone. Vegetarians might gravitate towards their chana masala roll, based on the classic Indian dish it is named after. Your guests will certainly be impressed with their savory chicken tikka roll.
If you’re looking for something a little adventurous, you might want to try their kosha mangsho roll, made with traditional Bengali spicy braised mutton. You may also want to order from their wide selection of Lassi drinks blended with house-made organic yogurt in flavors like mango and orange cream.
3. Amma
This Indian-Chinese fusion restaurant successfully brings together an assortment of savory and spicy dishes. Your guests are sure to love their lamb ke parchae (ribbons of lamb loin in a crunchy onion basket), cochin crab cakes, or achaari chicken (tandoor-grilled with pickling spices) to start. For the vegetarian, you can order some kararee bhindi (crispy tangy okra with tomatoes and red onions) or laukee ke kofte (zucchini dumplings in an aromatic tomato gravy). If you’re wondering what one of their fusion dishes tastes like, sample their manchurian cauliflower or their seafood konkan prawn masala.
Named for the popular masala dishes Indian food is known for, including chicken tikka masala, The MasalaWala packs a powerful punch of flavor. Choose from their scintillating appetizers like chilli prawn, fresh garlic naan, and samosa chaat. If you’re looking for some mouth-watering kababs, try their malai chicken baked in a clay oven and served with ghee rice and a side of mint chutney. With such delicious choices, it's no wonder The MasalaWala has been featured in numerous publications.
5. Bengal Tiger
The Bengal Tiger includes a number of classic Indian dishes with a few modern refinements. You and your guests will enjoy their vegetarian dishes such as aloo gobi matar (stir-fried potatoes, cauliflower and peas) and baigan bhartha (roasted mashed eggplant with baby green pea, onion and tomato), or their own version of chana masala made with a korma almond cashew nut sauce. Don’t forget to try their homestyle curry!
6. Rahi
The objective of Roni Mazumdar, the owner of Rahi, and Chintan Pandya, the chef of Rahi, is to create a menu that takes the diner on a trip through the tastes of different parts of India. Using local, fresh produce from New York, they create each traditional dish with a unique flair and artistry. Choose from their butter chicken, prawn moilee, or be brave enough to sample their ghost pepper lamb chops. Your guests are sure to enjoy the fine and diverse dining experience Rahi will provide for you.
Bombay Grill House, like other Indian restaurants, puts a modern twist on classic favorites. You’ll love their vegetable pakora, chat papri (flour crisp with sauces), stir-fried baby corn, and lamb sheek kebab. If you want something tasty, you may want to try their lamb cafreal (marinated and cooked in tandoor) or their salmon tikka. They also offer dal tadka (made with yellow lentils), chicken madras (mustard seeds, curry leaves and coconut) and goat curry. With so many options, your guests will each be able to find a new favorite dish.
8. Mughlai
Mughlai’s chefs have searched the world over to bring the perfect spice blends to their dishes. They are known for their proprietary Mughlai chicken chop, created with their own special spice blend. They also offer paneer bhurji (Indian cheese cooked with tomatoes, onions and green peppers), maalai kofta (deep-fried Indian cheese dumplings in a rich gravy), and crab cakes as appetizers. If you want large platters of something tasty, try their chicken korma or their goa fish curry.
Spice Symphony’s name alludes to the variety of Indian cuisine they offer from different regions in India. As an Indian and Chinese fusion restaurant, they are proud of their unique spice blends and flavors. They have everything from Chinese classics such as hot and sour soup and Szechwan sauces, while also offering Biryani specials in vegetarian, chicken, goat, lamb and shrimp. Their menu runs the gamut of delicious Asian cooking, from samosas and spicy tandoori chicken wing appetizers to madras vegetables, chicken vindaloo and lamb rogan josh.
10. Pippali
A favorite of many, Pippali never disappoints. Their appetizer menu features flaky pujabi samosas, flavorful tandoori mushrooms, and skewered and grilled lucknowi seekh kabab (ground lamb with ginger, mint, and roasted spices). Their star vegetarian dishes include aloo gobi matter (cauliflower, potatoes and green peas roasted with spices), while their succulent meat dishes include ludhiana curry made with a ‘Punjabi masala’ spice blend, deg gosht (leg of lamb cubes with onions and spices), and konkan shrimp curry.
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