3 Easy-on-pocket secret Indian food spots in New York

In the nooks and alleys of New York City you find real, wholesome, Indian food that’ll shame the fine diners

Anyone who told you that to eat a really good meal, one needs to only visit the finest establishments that serve their hors d’oeuvres in China more expensive than the ingredients in their dish hasn’t really explored hearty, honest dining.

A true-blue foodie would tell you that the real, lip-smacking, belly-pleasing eating experience often comes from no-frills eateries that serve you honest food with dollops of love.

While most of the US can now boast of diverse pockets that serve authentic, ethnic cuisine with dishes tasting as good as they would in their native land, it is in NYC that you can really explore ethnic cuisine complete with its accoutrements and nostalgia.

Read: New York chef opens a farmers’ restaurant and lassi bar in India (October 6, 2022)

Here are our well-researched secret Indian food pit-stops in NYC that’ll fill your hearts without emptying out your wallets.

Punjabi Grocery and Deli
As the name suggests, this no-frills, no fan-fare place focuses on only one thing — selling lip-smacking chana chaat, samosa chat and vegetarian curries.

Tucked up on a corner in northside of Houston Street, Punjabi Grocery and Deli is a neighborhood gem. On a typical evening you may find locals carrying back with them brown paper bags full of pakoras, deep fried crisp to perfection.

The basement joint is a must-try if you crave feel-good, street style Indian snacks. The stuff smells as diving as it tastes and would set you back by just about $15 for a real, filling meal.

Read: Taking Dosa to Dublin and beyond! (October 31, 2022)

NY Dosas
Dosas are so good, you will dream about your second helping as you are scarfing down your first. This is no chic eatery or sit-down café but as simple as it gets dosa cart in Washington Square Park.

Dosas filled generously with potatoes or veggies can be savored with sambar and chutney. All days morning till late afternoon except Sundays.

Pongal
Along Kips Bay in Lexington Avenue you will find a variety of small eateries and shops but if you want to sift through for just good food and nothing more than Pongal can be a good place to begin your cheap thrill eats journey.

This vegetarian place runs a lunch special for under $15 when we last tried. And did we say they have over a dozen varieties of chat? Run, don’t walk if you are in the area.