Indus Valley
Indus Valley isn't as festive as some Curry Hill restaurants that decorate their interiors with Bollywood kitsch. It doesn't go out of its way to present itself as an Indian restaurant, but don't let the reserved décor fool you. You don't need to drape your ceilings with polyester fabric and paint the walls like a brothel to make authentic Indian cuisine. Indus Valley serves chicken tikka masala, naan and vegetable samosas. The dishes are well seasoned and affordably priced. With almost a dozen varieties of breads, including nan, poori, (and a few lesser known) to dip in your curry dishes, the menu has an array of options.
Indus Valley
2636 Broadway
New York, NY 10025
(212) 222-9222
Alachi Masala
A quaint little candlelit restaurant, Alachi Masala is one of the more affordable places to eat on the Upper West Side. Its menu features seafood, chicken, lamb and vegetarian options. The restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own bottle. The manager and staff are accommodating, so bring your favorite bottle of wine to help cool the palate.
Alachi Masala
488 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
(212) 874-7420
alachimasala.com
Swagat
A neighborhood mainstay with an unbeatable lunch special, Swagat is a gem. With an international beer list and a decent selection of wines, Swagat also makes for a great hole-in-the-wall dinner choice. Crammed between a tailor and a pizzeria, it could easily be missed if it weren't for the smell of curry and spices coming from the kitchen. Their naan is served with a warm flaky crust and a soft center perfect for dipping, and the dishes, although occasionally under-spiced, are never disappointing. If you're in the neighborhood and want an inexpensive, low-key meal, Swagat should satisfy your cravings.
Swagat
411 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
(212) 362-1400
swagatindiannyc.com
