Indigo Indian Bistro
This popular little neighborhood bistro on the Upper West Side seats only 30 for dinner and fills up fast. The very reasonably priced prix fixe option includes an appetizer, entree with rice and naan. Diners often start with the bhel puri--rice puffs with chickpea flour noodles, tamarind and cilantro, or a bowl of mulligatawny soup. Vegetarians will want to try the dal makhani made with black lentils and beans. Seafood lovers can choose from a trio of shrimp dishes or sample the salmon in a peppery tomato sauce. The Indigo Indian Bistro has a sister restaurant at 357 East 50th Street in Midtown.
Indigo Indian Bistro
283 Columbus Ave.
New York, NY 10024
(212) 579-3900
Aamchi Pao
New to the scene is another diminutive Indian restaurant with big things to offer. Aamchi Pao on Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village specializes in the regional street foods of Mumbai. Pao refers to a white bun that is typically filled with spicy mixtures. Here, among them, is pulled tandoori goat leg and vada--a fried potato and chickpea mixture flavored with savory garlic chutney. The "Village Voice" included Aamchi Pao in its 2009 "Best Of" listing for the kati (or kathi) roll--a stuffed flatbread also popular in Mumbai. "Time Out New York" included Aamchi Pao in its 2009 list of "Best New Cheap Eats."
Aamchi Pao
194 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 228-1909
Barwachi
Back uptown on First Avenue is a more traditional Indian eatery, Barwachi. The emphasis here is on traditional northern Indian cuisine. Some entrees are surprising on an Indian menu. Among them is the yogurt-marinated tandoori roasted rack of baby lamb. A house specialty is Chicken Mehraj--chicken cooked in a freshly ground mint, cilantro and spices. Menu prices at Barwachi are modest, especially at lunch. There is a lunch buffet as well.
Bawarchi
1149 1st Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 371-3535
About The Author
Lois Lawrence is an attorney and freelance writer living and working in Stonington, Conn. She has written on many subjects including travel, food, consumerism, relationships, insurance and law. Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1976, and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law in 1979.
