first time eating Indian - recs?

[Emmmily]

A friend of mine who's always said she doesn't like Indian food has recently decided to give it another shot - apparently she's only had it once, and is open to the idea that it just wasn't a very good restaurant. We'll be in near Curry Hill tomorrow, so it seemed like a good time to give it another try. I'm looking for recs for where to take her. Requirements are that it must be within walking distance of 32nd & Madison, and reasonably priced (no more than $15pp, incl tip & tax, if possible). Since this is an introductory meal for her, I'm thinking we should stick to standards like samosas, chicken tikka masala, and saag paneer; nothing too adventurous - so probably North Indian is best. Is there a place with a particularly good lunch buffet, so we can try several things? My other thought was maybe Haandi (even though it's really Pakistani) since we may have to do dinner rather than lunch, and it's a) cheap enough that we can order a few things and b) recommended on the boards here. Any thoughts?

[cimui]

Emmmily, I think the area you're targeting is far better known for south Indian food than north Indian. Would south Indian be ok? I personally find masala dosa and vada extremely accessible foods. They are usually served with sambar, a vegetable soup-like substance for dipping.

Places that I think do dosa and vada well include Chennai Garden and Saravanaas, both within easy walking distance of 32nd and Madison. I've had poor luck with lunchtime dosas at Saravanaas, lately (they've been burnt and dry), so perhaps Chennai Garden would be the better bet.

Oh -- order her a mango lassi, as well. Good on you for showing your friend the ropes.

[RGR]

When it comes to Indian cuisine, I don't know north from south, and I haven't been to many of the restaurants in "Curry Hill." However, we recently went to DhaBa, a relatively new spot, on Lex, b/t 27th & 28th. I'm guessing it's probably north. Regardless, though two of the dishes we ordered -- Shami Kebab (minced lamb patties) and Batata Sev Pori (Stewed pori bread, chaat masala, yogurt & two chutneys) -- might not be good for a first-timer, the chicken tikka masala was delicious. We ordered some cumin-spiced rice to go with it. I imagine their samosas would be tasty. They do make a first-rate mango lassi.

http://www.dhabanyc.com

[cimui]

The menu definitely looks north Indian. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

[Emmmily]

Yeah, I saw that Curry Hill is mostly S. Indian, wondering if there might be a N. Indian place hiding in there somewhere. I'm not as familiar with S. Indian food myself (had it maybe twice?) so I can't guide her as well, but then it might just be a learning experience for both of us! I went for Dhaba's lunch buffet once soon after it opened and wasn't particularly impressed, but I wouldn't judge their fresh-cooked dishes by the quality of their buffet.

[JungMann]

Haandi's buffet is not the best introduction. There are certainly strong points, such as the impresive chicken biryani and the chicken karahi, but more often than not items such as tandoori chicken or naan end up drying out on the buffet. While cimui's South Indian suggestions are excellent examples of their regional cuisine, vegetarian fare is not everyone's cup of tea, and those inclined towards omnivorism might not be as satisfied as with a Northern meal.

Sadly your options for Northern Indian are limited in that neighborhood. Dhaba is your best bet, and not a bad bet by any means. Their lunch buffet will most likely have the dishes you want, which I would augment with perhaps some pakora and sev puri. If you go a la carte, try the biryani, saag paneer and poori. I am not much a fan of aloo samosa, prefering the lamb samosas at Lahore up the block.

[bigjeff]

agree jungmann, on all those parts; a lunch buffet at dhaba will be tops for you guys to pick and choose. personally, I would go veg at tiffin wallah but haven't been there in a while; is there a better south asian buffet? chennai garden?

[sines]

I highly recommend Tiffin Wallah and Madras Cafe... both South Indian. Be sure to try the dosai or thalis at each.

[melon]

Madras Cafe closed! :(