NEW YORK—Named after the historic and vibrant street of East London’s neighborhood, Brick Lane Curry House is a popular place for British-style Indian cuisine.
With locations already existing in Upper Montclair and Ridgewood, in New Jersey, Brick Lane is opening its fifth location in New York, on the Upper East Side. All locations share the same menu under the supervision of the executive chef Praveen Pedankar.
The food is British-influenced Indian cuisine, which means that it is spicier than usual. Expats who want to feel at home away from home will love it.
The menu offers a wide array of curries from various parts of India with different levels of heat, from mild to the unbearably hot phaal, made with a blend of fiery chilies so hot anyone who dares to try it must state a verbal disclaimer not holding the restaurant liable for any physical or emotional damage after eating it.
There are dishes as well as lamb and seafood dishes and fabulous breads prepared on premise.
For starters you may want to try the crispy cauliflower florets tossed with tomato sauce and garlic, Lassuni Gobi ($8) which is a typical dish from Calcutta influenced by the Chinese, and the delicious Prawn Balchao ($12) cooked in tangy tomato-based sauce. It’s well-balanced with a pleasing light heat coming in towards the end. My friend, who is obsessed with Indian food, loved it.
A basket of warm Naan bread ($4) arrived, made in-house with rosemary and basil. I would have been very happy to enjoy by itself, but I couldn’t refuse my all-time favorite dish, the delicate and creamy Chicken Tikka Masala ($18).
This is one of the most delicate and refined Indian dishes that I can never have enough of. My friend thought the slow-cooked lamb in a thick spicy curry, Bhuna ($19), was the ultimate culinary experience, with so many layers of intense flavors.
A nice addition to the meal would be the vegetarian Nilgiri Korma ($15), made with mint and other herbs with coconut milk and south Indian spices. It was vibrant in color and flavor.
For a sweet ending, the Ras Malai is always my first choice.
The Setting
Besides the main dining room, the bar area has also dining tables. it is warm and welcoming, with dark mahogany wood.
The bar is stacked with impressive selections of Scotch including single malts, beers, bitters, and ale as well as signature drinks like the as Mango Mojito with Bacardi, mint, and lime, or the unusual and fabulous Tamarind Margarita and Indian version of the Long Island iced Tea called Punjab, named after the Indian state.
The crystal room in the back offers a formal and intimate dining experience.
Brick Lane Curry House is a fun and friendly place with excellent service and reasonable prices.
Brick Lane Curry House
1664 Third Avenue (at 93rd Street)
646-998-4440
www.bricklane93rd.com
Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–1 a.m.
