By Abby Vaun
Staying kosher while eating foods from other regions can prove to be somewhat challenging at times. But for those living in or visiting
New York City who love Indian food and want to stay kosher, there are a few places that will satisfy your needs.
Madras Mahal
Madras Mahal claims to be the first kosher Indian food restaurant in New York City. The menu features food from the north, south and western parts of India. Start off with an Iddly appetizer (two steamed-lentil-and-rice mixed cakes), and choose from an extensive number of entrees, including a variety of curries from Punjab and Gujarat. For dessert, try the Gulab Jamun (two dessert cheese balls in sweet syrup). The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10:30 p.m. There is a buffet beginning at noon and ending at 3:30 p.m. and from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends and major holidays. Catering for large events, plus online ordering and delivery, are available.
Madras Mahal
104 Lexington Avenue
(Between 27th and 28th Street)
New York, NY 10016
(212) 684-4010
Madrasmahal.com
Pongal
Pongal is named after a South Indian celebration for the reaping of the harvest and the end of monsoon season. Try the Rasam to start, a traditional South Indian spicy soup of lentils and tomato essence. Other menu items include a variety of Masalas and Dosais (Indian crepes). With two locations, Pongal is open Monday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m. and reopens for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10:30 p.m. You can make reservations online on the website. Pongal also offers catering for large parties and events, plus online ordering and free delivery.
Pongal midtown location
110 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 696-9458
Pongalnyc.com
Pongal uptown location
1154 First Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 355-4600
Pongalnyc.com
Chennai Vegetarian and Kosher Restaurant
Chennai is an upscale vegetarian and kosher Indian restaurant on the Upper East Side. There are several appetizers to choose from, including Mo-Mo (vegetable steamed dumplings). The entrees include cabbage Tadka (fresh cabbage sauteed in mild spices), Aloo Dum Kashmiri (whole baby potatoes cooked in a mild, creamy sauce) and Chili Paneer (cottage cheese in a fiery Manchurian sauce). Chennai has an unlimited buffet seven days a week from noon to 3 p.m. Chennai is open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday; dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. You can make reservations on the website and order online. Chennai also offers delivery and corporate accounts.
Chennai Vegetarian and Kosher Restaurant
1663 First Avenue
New York, NY 10028
(212) 831-0118
Chennaitogo.com
About the Author:
After accidentally stumbling into a journalism class at University of North Texas, Abby Vaun has been writing ever since. She honed her skills writing for "The Dallas Morning News" and as a copy editor for Earle Palmer Brown in New York City. From Dallas to New York to L.A., she has enjoyed freelancing for 10 years and expanding her knowledge through her profession.
