/

Manhattan

Tips for Dining, Eating, and Food Shopping in Manhattan

Good Ethnic Food in the East 30s, 40s, or 50s

I will be in NYC very briefly in a few weeks and am trying to fill the various food cravings that Alabama just can't satisfy. On a Saturday, I will be working my way south down the East side of the island looking for a suit to wear to my wedding. Around lunchtime I will be in the 40s or so.

I will be traveling with a vegetarian friend (ugh!) and want to find a tasty spot for lunch. I have been craving Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, etc. (basically anything with a flavor profile not focused on sweet and a menu that goes beyond barbecue or fried meats).

I would like to keep the food costs, before tax and tip, below 40/person and would like to not have to make reservations, if possible.

Sadly, this is a part of town I just don't know well at all. Is there anything wonderful I must try? If not, perhaps there is something a little further south?

Thanks, as always.

|

By nmprisons on Dec 13, 2011 07:56 AM

6 Replies

  1. Cafe China -- on 37th St between 5th and Madison...my current fav Sichuan in Manhattan...fits the price point, is comfy enough inside to be a nice reststop after a long day of shopping, and has tons of veggie options (i.e. cold cucumber w/ garlic starter, cold bitter melon w/ ginger sauce starter, tofu dishes, etc)...my other fav dishes are the fragrant fish fillet w/ green peppers and the Sichuan standards kung pao chicken and mapotofu (which i imagine they could make w/o pork for your friend)...many reviews here on another couple threads

    -----
    Cafe China
    13 E 37th St, New York, NY 10016

    Permalink |

    By Simon on Dec 13, 2011 08:23 AM

    1. Tulsi serves lunch on Saturdays and has a $20 prix fixe available.

      Chola is towards the north end of the area you specified; I haven't been in ages, so perhaps other CHers can chime in.

      For Thai, I like Talent Thai Kitchen's khao soi, but haven't really explored the rest of the menu.

      Would Cafe China work for you?
      http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/808588

      -----
      Chola
      232 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10022

      Talent Thai
      210 E 34th St, New York, NY 10016

      Tulsi
      211 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017

      Permalink |

      By kathryn on Dec 13, 2011 08:27 AM
      1. re: kathryn

        Khao Soi is my favorite Thai dish. That just got pretty tempting.

        I had also considered going a bit out of my range and having lunch at Junoon, but Tulsi seems like a pretty solid alternative. Thanks!

        Cafe China is probably out since the friend works in Chinatown and so eats Chinese food for lunch about four times a week. I would rather treat him to something else.

        Permalink |

        By nmprisons on Dec 13, 2011 08:33 AM
        1. re: nmprisons

          Yes, Tulsi! We love Hemant's food. Be sure to get his signature tandoor-grilled lamb chops. And the nice and spicy Manchurian cauliflower.

          Tulsi photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157625768378231/

          http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

          Permalink |

          By RGR on Dec 13, 2011 09:44 AM
          1. re: RGR

            Well that settles things! Thanks Kathryn and RGR.

            Permalink |

            By nmprisons on Dec 13, 2011 12:57 PM

      2. Mapo Tofu and across the street Hunan Manor on Lexington near 39th

        Ethos on 3rd Av

        Lexington below E 33 St is called "curry hill" for all of the Indian and Pakistani places

        -----
        Ethos
        495 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10016

        Mapo Tofu
        338 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

        Hunan Manor
        339 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016

        Permalink |

        By Motosport on Dec 13, 2011 09:57 AM
        « Back to the Manhattan Board
        Back to the Top |