
When we think of Indian food in New York, we immediately picture butter chicken with its thick and spicy gravy or tandoori chicken and its smoky flavor. These are the most popular dishes that you’d find at most Indian restaurants, if not all. But these aren’t the only dishes they serve. India is a vast region with many dishes available depending on where you go.
If you’re tired of these chicken dishes, then you can try other dishes available at these restaurants. Some of them are milder, some spicier, but all of them are worth trying at least once in your life.
Vindaloo
If you look for the Indian food in New York only when you feel like having something spicy, then you should try some vindaloo. This warm and spicy dish is the result of the influence of Portugues traders in India. The chef prepares it by marinating chicken, lamb or prawns in vinegar, red chili and other hot spices that make you sweat with every bite.
Chicken 65
This spicy chicken snack gets the name from the 65th item on the menu of a military camp in India. Chefs prepare it by tossing some chicken chunks with mustard seeds, spicy curry leaves and red chilies, making it another must-try for spicy food lovers. It’s the perfect appetizer for your vindaloo.
Chholey
If you feel like having something veg, then chholey is a good start. The cook prepares it by cooking protein-rich chickpeas with tomatoes, onions and loads of spices. The best Indian restaurant in New York serves the Amritsari variety which has bigger chickpeas, dry mango and pomegranate powder.
Rogan Josh
If you’re looking for lamb dishes, then you should start with rogan josh. The Kashmiri dish is perfect for winter thanks to its warm and spicy gravy. Chefs prepare it by marinating lamb in Kashmiri spices and slow-cooking it with tomatoes, gingers, fennel and onions until the meat turns tender.
Biryani
The main problem with many Indian dishes is that you can’t always be sure whether you’ve ordered enough naan/rice or not. That’s why many people prefer ordering biryani from the best Indian takeout in NYC. Biryani is a wholesome meal with rice, meat vegetables and spices. You can order some raita to milden the spices but don’t need to. Cooks prepare it using the dum method in which the meat is layered with the rice and cooked for a long time on low or medium heat. Chicken and lamb are the most common meat. Most restaurants serve vegetarian biryani as well.
Dal Tadka
If you want something light for dinner, then ask the staff to pack some dal tadka for you. Chefs prepare this yellow lentil soup with some turmeric, ginger, cumin, garlic and green chilies. The thick and grainy soup tastes great with some rotis.
Aloo Gobi Mattar
Aloo gobi mattar is a simple meal that every vegetarian will enjoy. Cooks prepare it by cooking potato, cauliflower and peas with spices. You can have it with an onion-tomato curry or dry. It’s probably the healthiest dish you can order from the best Indian restaurant in New York.
Madras Chicken
Yet another spicy chicken dish that you have to try at least once. Chefs prepare Madras chicken by cooking the chicken with a South Indian spice mix, cracked mustard seeds, curry leaves and cumin. You can also try goat, lamb or shrimp instead of chicken with this mixture.
Dahi Kebab
Dahi kebabs are probably the healthiest kebabs that you can order from the best Indian takeout in NYC. Cooks prepare it with yogurt instead of meat. They onions, crushed peppers, cilantro and other spices for flavor.
Lucknow Keema
The slow-cooked minced lamb belongs to the same family as the Iranian gheyemeh and the Turkish kiyima. Cooks prepare Lucknow keema with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg and serve it with the sweet and thick taftan bread. You can turn it into a roll if you want with enough keema.
Bangalore Meen Saru
If you’re craving some fish curry, then you should order Bangalore meen saru from the best Indian restaurant in New York. Chefs make the fish dish by cooking salmon with cumin, coriander seeds and ginger.
Rasmalai
All the spices must have you craving for some sweets. If you’ve already tried kheer and gulab jamun, then try rasmalai this time. Chefs prepare it by cooking cheese cottage in sweet milk. The sweet absorbs the sweet milk like a sponge and melts. You can have it warm or cold.