Dosa Hut (photos of dosa, desert, Shamas)
102 Lexington Ave, on the corner 27th St.
Vegans love South Indian food because almost all of it is already vegan. This is a great place for dinner or lunch, and--because it's nice and still affordable--we often see people on dates there. Shamas Kahn, the owner, is extremely enthusiastic about the menu and is happy to answer any questions you might have. His true passion is traditional South Indian food, although he offers many more options to keep his customers happy.
Some friends of mine sometimes stray from the path and get something besides a Dosa at The Dosa Hut. Don't do that! Stick with the basic Masala Dosa or the Onion Rava Dosa. Go ahead and ask them to make it spicier, but be careful. This is not one of those restaurants that spices your dish by the way you look - every dish is spicy and flavorful. The portions are gigantic, but don't let that stop you from splitting the assorted appetizer platter. It's a great value (at $6.95 for a heaping plate) and everything on it is delicious. Until Three O' Clock, the lunch buffet is a steal at $5.99, but you may not be able to stop eating.
It compares favorably with the 25 or so other Indian restaurants around "Curry Hill," the unofficial name for the blocks surrounding the intersection of 27th Street and Lexington, with the possible exception of Pongal right across the street, which is also vegetarian but has a broader menu. Since Dosas are often made with rice, not wheat, it's also a good place to visit with your wheat-free friends. In the space next door, Shamas is opening up a similar but carnivore-friendly restaurant. NYC Eats will be providing updates as soon as this (as yet unnamed) spot opens - but we've been assured it will be a perfect destination for all dietary persuasions.
NYC Dosa (photos of the line, the sign)
South edge of Washington Square Part, 4th St. & Sullivan.
There are five different kinds of dosas available, and prices range from $4 to $5. You can also get a few different kinds of veggie drum sticks or samosas. The line is always long - expect to wait 30 minutes during lunch just to make your order, and then another 5 excruciating minutes while you watch Thiru make it fresh. If you're in a rush or need catering, you can call ahead: 917 710 2092.
This is my favorite Dosa in NYC, especially for lunch. Sadly, until Thiru returns to the kitchen, the market is just about maxed out. There's only so many dosas one man can make in a day. Legend has it Thiru cooked for years at the Dosa Hut in Flushing, patiently waiting for his street food license to be approved. It's worth the trek, especially if the weather is nice.
"Fresh Tortilla" / "Peking Chef" (photos of entrance, inside)
513 6th Avenue
A lot of my friends, and especially my vegetarian friends, stick their nose up at the various "taco shack / chinese take out" locations around the city. I think these establishments tend to be better that the average dinner spot because the cooks are constantly cooking with different ingredients and in different styles. I get tacos with beans, rice and vegetables. For $1.30 each, this is my favorite lunch when i want to save a few dollars and fill up. The tacos are good, about as good as your basic hard shell taco can be. You can't mess up a taco! I've never tried the Chinese food.
The young lady taking your orders (at all hours) speaks English, Chinese, Spanish and Portugese, and often three of these once - your and two different phone orders. The cute chef with short hair throwing beans in your tacos will start your order before you ask for it, if he recognizes you.
Veggie Thali
28 Greenwich Ave. (212) 367-7411
Also very slow, also different every day. Alongside the standard roster of Indian appetizers, there are two options on the menu: "lunch thali" and "dinner thali." Each meal is cooked to order, and they are very accomodationg of any dietary restraints (vegan, wheat free, etc.).
The lunch thali is only $6, which includes two kinds of curries, rice, bread and a small desert. If you show enthusiasm for the food, they will often bring you extra portions. They sprinkle the pakoras with chat masala to create a special flavor that I haven't found anywhere else in the city.
Gobo
401 6th Avenue. (212) 255-3242
Gobo is a relatively recent addition to the area, and it's a welcome one. Featuring plenty of places to sit and a large menu, this is the one of the most upscale and carnivore friendly of the "nice" vegetarian restaurants in New York City.
Allegedly started by the children of the founders of Zen Palate, Gobo succeeds where Zen fails - flavor and price. Out of the 40 or so food items, only a couple are truly bland, although if you like very spicy food you should request that they add a little in the kitchen. And at six to nine dollars for a "lunchbox," you can be full, enjoy well presented food in a comfortable place and stick to your budget. The smoothies are also delicious, but a little more expensive than you might find elsewhere.
My only complaint about Gobo is that they tend to overgarnish their food with sprouts and lettuce, and there's not one knockout dish you can rely on when you need a pick-me-up. And although the portions are fine, I rarely leave with that nice 'stuffed' feeling.
"The Trinidad Cart" (photos outside, inside)
Cheap, spicy curries or rotis, more than you can eat. Always get the hot sauce, which they considerately place in the corner, but be careful how much you mix it around. I never deviate from the vegetarian curry, which changes depending on what they feel like that day. I've heard that the Ox Tail Roti is excellent.
It's on a sidestreet just south of Wall St, a few blocks east of Water. It's the giant silver truck. You can't miss it.
Next time: The East Village
