New York City is well known for its vast array of different cuisines. Indian and West Asian cuisine are two of the most popular types of food in the city. There are many different restaurants that offer these types of cuisine, and each one has its own unique flavor. NYC is the perfect place to try out new and exciting flavors from all over the world. Indian and West Asian cuisine are two cuisines that you definitely don’t want to miss out on while you’re in the Big Apple.

New York City’s Best Indian and West Asian Cuisine

Jaz

Jaz offers a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine, with dishes like tandoori shrimp and roasted eggplant with paneer. The restaurant also has a diverse cocktail and wine menu, making it a perfect spot for a special meal or evening out. The restaurant features a tasty set menu in addition to the a la carte options, where diners can try out items like the Lasuni Gobi and the Chicken Shahi Korma. If you’re catching a show, check out the Jaz pre-theatre menu with selections like the Onion Bhajia, Lamb Chettinad and Rasmalai.

Mango Shrimp (Courtesy Jaz)

Honest

Honest is known for serving traditional vegetarian Indian street food, using its own proprietary spice blends and fresh ingredients cooked to order. Their signature dishes include Bhaji Pav and Pulav, and you’ll also find a selection of exotically-flavored sandwiches on the menu. The restaurant originally started as a small street cart in Law Garden, Ahmedabad, India, in the 1960s and has now expanded to a location in NYC’s Bleecker Street. They also have a bakery in New Jersey where they make fresh dinner rolls, or pav, for their Bhaji Pav dish.

Pani Puri (Chaat) (Courtesy Honest)

Madam Ji

Madam Ji offers a menu full of modern interpretations of traditional Indian flavors. The restaurant also offers refreshing cocktails and unique desserts, such as Betel Leaf Ice Cream. Chef/Owner Abishek Sharma brings his experience from his other successful restaurants to create a vibrant and flavorful dining experience at Madam Ji. If you’re unsure of what to order, try out one of the restaurant’s tasting boards—the Shahi Tandoori Board features tandoori meat and seafood selections, while the Maharani’s Veggie Board is perfect for vegans and vegetarians.

Shradha (Courtesy Madam Ji)

SONA

SONA offers a modern twist on traditional Indian dishes, with options ranging from tandoori meats to vegetarian curries. Enjoy rice dishes like the Mysore Lamb Biryani and shareable items like the Tikka Flatbread and Thali platters with choices like the Coastal Shrimp Curry and Paneer Lababdar. The restaurant also features an extensive cocktail menu, including unique options such as mango lassi-inspired drinks and spice-infused gin and tonics, with flavorful choices like the Hazel Lost in Manhattan, which features cardamom and the Gold Negroni with saffron infusions.

Menu Selection (Courtesy SONA)

Malai Marke

Malai Marke in the Upper East Side brings great food and a great atmosphere to the table. In addition to its fusion dishes (like the Vegetable Hakka Noodles) and the imaginative takes on classic dishes (like the Chicken Tikka Kebab Rolls), the restaurant also offers traditional favorites like Butter Chicken and Vegetable Samosas. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, with warm decor and friendly staff. Overall, Malai Marke offers a unique dining experience with delicious and diverse Indian cuisine.

Tandoori Chicken (Courtesy Malai Marke)

Rang NYC

Newly opened, Rang NYC is a modern restaurant that offers small and large plates meant for sharing (like the Kerala Fried Chicken and the Eggplant Bharta), along with signature cocktails and a curated wine selection (the menu also features a few exotically flavored mocktails). The menu is inspired by Chef Abishek Sharma’s Indian heritage and features bold flavors and creative dishes.

Cocktail (Courtesy Rang NYC)

aRoqa

Try upscale contemporary Indian cuisine at aRoqa. The sleek space and traditional Indian classics provide the perfect combination. Diners can enjoy exclusive lunch specials, weekend brunch items (like the “Indian Masala Omelette”), and dinner items like the “Peri Peri Prawns” and “Shredded Crab With Lentil Soup Shots.” The menu features plenty of meat and seafood along with various vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free items. Aroqa also has numerous shareable plates like the “Goan Shrimp Curry” and the “Chef’s Special Goat Keema Matar.”

Shredded Crab with Lentil Soup Shots (Courtesy aRoqa)