Best Manhattan Indian Lunch Buffet? [Moved from What's My Craving]

Which are the best Indian buffets in Manhattan for lunch? Prefer under $15. Thanks.

[calypsogirl]

i really love pongal on lexington btwn 27th and 28th. i've been going there for years and it's always delicious. it's a south indian vegetarian restaurant, so you can get all those wonderful dosas and idlis that you can't get at your typical indian restaurant.

[julesj66]

I got to Diwan often for the lunch buffet. Can't get enough of those chicken wings!

[MatthewB]

I'm partial to Diwan, on E 48th, but will be giving Bukhara Grill (a block away!) a try -- thanks for the recommendation. Diwan is $14 or so, and a lovely place, with warm naan brought to your table.

[MatthewB]

Visited Bukhara Grill yesterday -- wonderful. Will be back.

[zGustibus]

Rangole is a good bet, if you're looking for something cheap in Midtown. It's only $7.95 and worth it for that price. Like all buffets you have to go there at peak times (12-1:30pm) to get the freshest food... and the decor is not as nice as some of the expensive upscale Indian places that offer buffets for lunch- but in the end you get what you pay for.

I'm sure many people will say that the food at some of the other places in Midtown is better and/or fresher, but when it coems to Indian buffet, I'd rather spend $8 and have good food, then spend $13-$18 and have slightly better food. After all it is lunch, and if you're looking for a "cheap" lunch, then Rangole is the place to go. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Midtown Lunch Blog: http://www.midtownlunch.com

[Lettucepray]

Utsav is pretty good.

[Trucster]

Agree Bhukara Grill is best Indian buffet -- 217 E. 49th

[jungirl]

bhukara grill

[bang]

definitely bombay palace on 52nd and 6th Ave. Make sure to ask for the chaat - it comes with the buffet. The decor on the inside is really amazing too - wood paneling, huge portraits and an aquarium. Buffet is around $15 and there is much choice.

No question-Chola on 59th btwn 2 and 3. It's 13.95 and by far one of the biggest bargains in NY. Normally one dish is 20.

They always have chicken tikka masala, a lamb dish, chicken tikka, a fish dish, and a number of dals, veggie dishes, etc. They also bring dosas, naans, and pakuras to the table freshly made.

Salaam Bombay is my favorite. It may be a bit over your limit, but it's still well under $20, and it's worth the price.

i would recommend brick lane curry house, on sixth street (though more fancy than most of the sixth street places). $9.99 buffet is very, very tasty.