Out of Towners coming to NYC want Indian or Vietnamese

[jonfbrooklyn]

A good friend and her adolescent daughter are coming from outside Chicago to see some shows in NYC. They are staying in midtown on the East Side. I will meet her for dinner on a Sunday. They have expressed a preference for Indian or Vietnamese. Hounders, what are your thoughts and recommendations. Thanks.

[kathryn]

How much are you/they thinking of spending, per person, before tax, tip, any wine/drinks for the adults?

$30pp? $50pp for food only? More? Less?

[jonfbrooklyn]

kathryn, I would say not more than $40.00 per person for food. Thanks.

[kathryn]

Tulsi on 46th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues seems like an obvious choice, if you order carefully. Check out the menu:
http://tulsinyc.com/pdf/Dinner.pdf
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/802615

Otherwise, for convenience, I would say go down to "Curry Hill," which is only a few subway stops away from Midtown East. Tiffin Wallah, Dhaba, etc.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/640456

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Tiffin Wallah
127 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016

Dhaba
108 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016

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

[JungMann]

Chicago has a reputable Indo-Pak scene on Devon Avenue that in a number of instances surpasses what is available in Curry Hill. I think a recommendation for a higher end Indian place like Tulsi would be the more unique option for visitors from Chicagoland. Otherwise Dhaba and Darbar Grill are strong restaurants for good Indian.

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Dhaba
108 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Darbar Grill
157 East 55th Street, New York, NY 10022

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

[Steve R]

It's funny, since my original reply had Tulsi as the first recommendation, with a note that it was more high end and not a totally traditional menu or room. But I removed that sentence and just went with Dhaba... it sounded like a better choice for the situation. Maybe you're right though... if the price is not a problem Hemant's food at Tulsi is certainly more inventive and interesting.

[Steve R]

I always recommend (& take my guests to) Dhaba on Lex and E.27th. They're on open table.com, they have a very large, varied menu and it's a decent price point as well -- right in your range.

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Dhaba
108 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016

[Bob Martinez]

At the risk of being predictable, I strongly 2nd that.