Tamarind
Tamarind is widely considered Manhattan's best Indian restaurant, and for good reason. Owner Avatar Walia employs top Indian chefs who prepare a wide range of regional dishes with supreme passion and gusto. Tamarind's atypical atmosphere replaces tired beads, sitar and drab lighting with vibrant, earthy colors, inviting scents and thoroughly modern decor. While Tamarind excels in traditional dishes like tandoori chicken and lamb vindaloo, the more exotic-sounding plates, like apricot-stuffed grilled lamb in a cashew nut and saffron sauce, are equally appealing. Tamarind also offers traditional Indian tea and pastries for the afternoon crowd. Reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
Tamarind
41-43 E. 22nd St.
New York, NY, 10010
(212) 674-7400
tamarinde22.com
Brick Lane Curry House
This newer addition to the area commonly known as Little India in Manhattan's East Village serves some of the spiciest food you'll ever eat this side of the Atlantic. Modeled after famous curry houses on London's Brick Lane (the other Little India), this casually elegant restaurant serves a wide range of intensely flavorful dishes, favoring red hot curries and kebabs over tandooris and khurmas. Brick Lane's already legendary "phaal" curry comes with a verbal disclaimer stating that the management is not responsible for physical or emotional harm inflicted by this incendiary spice. Customers who dare to finish a full plate receive a free bottle of beer. If you'd prefer not to suffer and sweat profusely during your meal, Brick Lane has plenty of milder plates, including ginger-tamarind infused lamb chops and lots of yummy vegan items.
Brick Lane Curry House
306-308 E. 6th St
New York, NY10003
(212) 979-2900
bricklanecurryhouse.com
Dévi
Deciding what to order among the tantalizing and exotic dishes at Dévi may seem like an impossible task. Fortunately, Dévi offers both vegetarian and nonvegetarian menus to ease the stress of choosing that perfect meal. This innovative Indian restaurant in Manhattan's Flatiron District is one of the rising stars in the city's gourmet ethnic food scene. If you're an adventuresome eater with a discerning palate, Dévi will take you on a whirlwind tour of Indian cuisine, with succulent dishes like masala fried quail, chicken-apricot seekh kababs and cilantro rubbed halibut served with mint coconut chutney. Desserts are equally tempting; try the Bombay Falooda, a sweet concoction of honey-soaked basil seeds, falooda noodles, coconut lemongrass milk and tropical sorbets.
Dévi
8 E. 18th St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 691-1300
devinyc.com
Article Written By Charlie Higgins
Charlie Higgins is a writer, translator, editor and social-media consultant based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Originally from Connecticut, Higgins holds bachelor's degrees in media studies and music from Oberlin College. He currently works for the financial inclusion and microenterprise news website Microdinero.
