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Condé Nast Traveler
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
12 Fantastic Indian Restaurants in NYC
Dhamaka continues to challenge the expectations of what Indian flavors can taste like—and diners can't seem to get enough of it. Adam Friedlander Chef-owner Avtar Walia has been something of a trailblazer in the New York City Indian dining landscape, ever since he convinced culinary doyenne and actress Madhur Jaffrey to open Dawat in 1986 in Manhattan. Since 2001, he's been the force behind Tamarind, a Tribeca institution that revolutionized the approach to Indian fine dining in New York. The tasteful interiors are an elegant backdrop to refined dishes like lobster masala, prawn curry, and Nizami kheema. There may be no shortage of trendy new openings in the city these days, but Tamarind's staying power speaks for itself. I could tell you about this Murray Hill fixture, but some things just need to be seen to be believed. The Third Avenue façade doesn't begin to prepare you for what lies within: My jaw hit the floor when I walked into the unexpectedly cavernous dining room modeled after a traditional Gujarati village, complete with faux trees, thatched-roof booths, murals of pastoral Indian vignettes, and a massive Ganesh statue presiding over it all. Make sure you get comfortable in your booth because you're unlikely to leave anytime soon: Vatan's prix-fixe $45 vegetarian menu is an all-you-can eat bonanza. A massive thali is regularly refreshed with samosas, sev puris, bhaji, daal, chole, and much more on demand, plus endless ice cream and gulab jamun if you make it that far. Between the endless food and the quirky interiors, this is a place you'll want to settle into for a while. Dhamaka means explosion, and that's exactly how this colorful Lower East Side spot landed in New York in 2021. The Unapologetic Foods takeover of New York's Indian restaurant scene may have begun with Adda (originally in Long Island City and recently transplanted to the East Village) and cemented with Semma, but it's when Dhamaka opened that I first realized that Indian food enthusiasts in the city were in the throes of a culinary zeitgeist. Restaurateur Roni Mazumdar and chef Chintan Pandya were the first team brazen enough to make food exactly how they wanted it, without dialing back ingredients (goat kidney and testicles, anyone?) or spice levels to cater to Western palates. The result was an instant hit with Indian diners eager for authentic flavors beyond butter chicken, and guided everyone else to push their boundaries and expectations of what Indian flavors could taste like. It may have inspired a legion of other restaurants to follow in its footsteps, but Dhamaka, with its colorful interiors and banging Bollywood soundtrack, is always a winner. Brooklyn I'm not sure why Lore isn't one of the hardest-to-get reservations in New York, but at least that means chef Jayesh Kumar's Park Slope spot has managed to retain its neighborhood charm—for now. Get there ASAP to try Kumar's inventive menu, that leans on his South Indian roots and European training (he spent decades in Switzerland before opening Lore in 2022), and like me, you'll be wondering what kind of a mad genius thought up unlikely mash-ups like roti ravioli, kimchi uttapam, and a steak au poivre with masala butter and fries. Kumar also recently launched a dosa stand at Smorgasburg, and will be opening a bar called Folk (get it?) in Park Slope later this summer—with creative globally inspired cocktails and clever small plates like biryani arancini on the menu. Lore in Park Slope straddles leans chef Jayesh Kumar's South Indian roots and European training. Sukhbir Channa/Lore The sea bream at Lore is coated with malabar spices and served with hot red chutney. Sukhbir Channa/Lore With its distinctive tangy flavor profiles and heady Portuguese influence, the cuisine of the tiny western state of Goa is unlike any other in India—but it can be hard to come by in the city, aside from appearances by vindaloos or the occasional poee bread on menus. But when I'm missing Goa's famous susegad—laid-back—way of life, I make my way to Cobble Hill's Indian Table, where Goan chef Eric McCarthy guides diners through a deep dive through classics from his home state: think chicken cafreal, ros omelette, and pork sorpotel, and plenty of coastal classics like the kalchi kodi fish curry and crab cutlets. The dining room, clad in Portuguese-style tiles, is cozy, but when the weather is sultry you'll want to grab a seat on the back patio stung with fairy lights and feel transported to a veranda in Assagao. Queens It's hard to play favorites in Jackson Heights—you could eat well in this multicultural hub brimming with Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepali restaurants for weeks without ever going back to the same spot twice. Angel, however, merits many a return. It's been a local hit ever since it opened in 2019 (Bungalow chef Vikas Khanna is a big fan), with everything from a standout take on the all-too-familiar butter chicken to dishes like lotus root kofta that are rarer to spot on New York menus, plus plush naans you'll want to swathe yourself in. But the star here is the dum biryani—in vegetarian, chicken, and goat varieties—that comes shrouded beneath a crust of bread. When the server carves it open to mix the layers together and releases wisps of steam that linger over your table, that's your signal to feast. Note: The space may feel a bit snug, but the owners just opened a second, sleeker location not too far away from the original. Feeling snack-y? This Jackson Heights vegetarian joint is something of an institution for its dizzying array of fried treats and chaat, those textural flavor bombs that are the perfect union of savory, sweet, crunchy, and tangy. Start with some samosas and pakoras, then chase orders of sev puri, papri chaat, and aloo bhatura with refreshing mango lassi and lemon soda water. But if you're thinking about satisfying your chaat cravings during a heat wave like I did recently, calibrate your order based on how much spice you can handle under a handful of lazily whirring fans. You'd never guess from the outside that the majestic Ganesh Temple in Queens houses a basement canteen serving some of the city's most authentic South Indian cuisine. Since 1993, the Temple Canteen has perfected South Indian staples like pillowy idlis, crispy dosas, and thick, buttery uttapams—all best dunked in a silky coconut chutney. The ghee pongal (rice and lentils with clarified butter) is gentle and hearty, a regular on my takeaway rotation. It's a no-frills spot where bustling aunties keep the weekend crowds flowing efficiently while massive dosas sail past, stuffed with everything from classic potato masala to more adventurous paneer fillings. My weakness? The Pondicherry dosa—a triangular beauty spread with spicy chutney and a savory mixture that delivers serious heat. Paired with piping hot Madras tea, sweetened with enough sugar to temper the spice in the best possible way. —Pallavi Kumar
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Union Minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse spearheads 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' in Maharashtra's Jalgaon
Jalgaon (Maharashtra) [India], July 5 (ANI): Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's visionary campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', the second phase of the afforestation initiative - 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' was successfully concluded in Bhusawal, Jalgaon district. The event was led by Raksha Nikhil Khadse, MoS Youth Affairs and Sports. Sanjay Savkare, Maharashtra Minister of Textiles, was among those present. The afforestation drive was jointly organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the District Administration of Jalgaon, and My Bharat, Jalgaon, saw the plantation of over 2,000 native saplings by enthusiastic students and volunteers, a release said. Species such as Kadu Badam, Tamarind, Neem, Amla, and Shisham were planted to enhance local biodiversity and combat environmental challenges like soil erosion, depleting groundwater levels, and rising temperatures caused by low forest cover. Speaking at the event, Raksha Khadse emphasised the cultural and ecological importance of tree planting. Quoting the revered Saint Tukaram Maharaj, she said, 'Vrukshavalli Aamha Soyare, He Vishwachi Maze Ghar' (Trees are our kin, this world is my home), and urged all citizens to 'Plant trees, save trees! Cultivate a life of joy!' A key highlight of the initiative was the active participation of National Service Scheme (NSS) units from several educational institutions in Bhusawal, a release said. These included P.O. Nahata College, P.K. Kotecha Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Chaitanya Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Sakegaon, D.D.N. Bhole College, Godavari Nursing College, Industrial Training Institute, Biyani Military School, and Rajaram Dhondu Secondary Vidyalaya. Their active involvement contributed to strengthening the region's green infrastructure and community-driven environmental efforts. 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' concluded with a renewed commitment to sustainable living, climate action, and collective ecological responsibility, reinforcing the message that honouring our mothers includes protecting Mother Earth. (ANI)
India Gazette
05-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse leads
Jalgaon (Maharashtra) [India], July 5 (ANI): Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', the second phase of the afforestation initiative, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0' was successfully concluded in Bhusawal, Jalgaon district of Maharashtra, a release said on Saturday. The event was led by Raksha Nikhil Khadse, MoS Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and was graced by the presence of Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, along with key government officials and enthusiastic community participation. The event witnessed the participation of dignitaries including Ayush Prasad (District Collector, Jalgaon), Sangeeta Biyani, Sachin Nandre, Ashok Kumar (District Youth Officer, Jalgaon), Bhushan Patil (District Youth Officer, Nandurbar), Sachin Panjhade (Block Development Officer, Bhusawal), Sunil Panje (Accounts and Program Assistant, Jalgaon), Sandeep More (Assistant Project Officer), Bhaiya Mahajan (Sarpanch, Chorwad), Deepak Bhole, Virendra Patil (Gram Panchayat Member), Ravi Gunjal, Mayur Mandhare, Mohan Chaudhary, Vikas Navkar, and Rahul Patil (Gram Sevak, Chorwad). The afforestation drive was jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the District Administration Jalgaon, and My Bharat, Jalgaon. The plantation of over 2,000 native saplings by enthusiastic students and volunteers was held. Species such as Kadu Badam, Tamarind, Neem, Amla, and Shisham were planted to enhance local biodiversity and combat environmental challenges like soil erosion, depleting groundwater levels, and rising temperatures caused by low forest cover. Speaking at the event, Union Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse emphasized the cultural and ecological importance of tree planting. Quoting the revered Saint Tukaram Maharaj, she said, 'Vrukshavalli Aamha Soyare, He Vishwachi Maze Ghar' (Trees are our kin, this world is my home), and urged all citizens to 'Plant trees, save trees! Cultivate a life of joy!' A key highlight of the initiative was the active participation of National Service Scheme (NSS) units from several educational institutions in Bhusawal. These included PO Nahata College, PK Kotecha Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Chaitanya Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Sakegaon, DDN Bhole College, Godavari Nursing College, Industrial Training Institute, Biyani Military School, and Rajaram Dhondu Secondary Vidyalaya. Their active involvement contributed to strengthening the region's green infrastructure and community-driven environmental efforts. (ANI)
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Plant 4,770 saplings for 470 trees felled for road project: NGT orders SH Department
COIMBATORE: The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State Highways Department to plant 4,770 tree saplings as replacement for the 470 trees that were felled recently as part of the widening of the Avinashi-Nariyampalli stretch of the Avinashi to Mettupalayam road. Priority should be given to native species such as Neem, Tamarind etc, ordered the tribunal. "The State Highways Department shall ensure the full execution of the compensatory plantation plan (4,770 saplings) within the next two planting seasons with priority to native species such as Neem, Tamarind, Poongan, Kadamba, Naval, Mahilam alongside other resilient species as appropriate. The State Highways Department shall undertake the responsibility for maintaining all saplings for a period of at least five years or till they grow to a considerable size," the bench said. The tasks include their watering, fencing and replacing any saplings that fail. The tribunal bench comprising judicial member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati took up the matter based on a suo motu cognizance of a news report on the felling of trees for the Phase-1 of the road-widening project.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
14 acres of Gadag MGRDPR University turn into green oasis
Hubballi: SBI Foundation has developed 14 acres at Mahatma Gandhi Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (MGRDPR) University campus in Nagavi, Gadag. The hilly space, which was filled with bushes, has turned into a green farm with more than 19,000 saplings, thanks to SBI Jan-Van project. Dr Suresh V Nadagoudar, registrar and (acting) vice-chancellor of the varsity, told TOI that the SBI Foundation exclusively selected MGRDPR University from the entire Karnataka to implement the SBI Jan-Van project. "This initiative, launched in collaboration with Sankalpa Rural Development Society (SRDS), is a step toward environmental conservation. This mini forest has become an excellent spot for the leisure of the people of Gadag. It also offers our students a rare opportunity to experience and connect with the environment. With a dedicated water supply, greenery, and cleanliness, a pure and sustainable ecosystem has been created here," he said. The forest has a check dam, open gym, meeting space, borewells and recharge units, trenches, gully plugs, solar lights and benches. A wide variety of trees, including Banyan, Neem, Tamarind, Simarouba, Teak, Tabebuia, Bengali, Indian Ash, Guava, Custard Apple, Jamun, Peepal, Fig, and Honge (Pongamia), have been planted here. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Sanjay Prakash, managing director, SBI Foundation, Mumbai, said their Jan-Van plantation and 'Gram Saksham' watershed development work in Gadag district have helped in increasing the greenery and improving groundwater levels. The collaborative work from SBI Foundation, Sankalpa, MGRDPRU and the gram panchayats stands as a testament to how collective efforts can bring gradual impact on the ground," he commented. Sikandar Meeranayak, CEO, SRDS, Gadag, said to ensure water supply during the summer and prevent scarcity, 20-25 water tankers are brought in every month to water the plants. "This has resulted in the healthy, well-nourished growth of plants. The open meeting space is available for small gatherings and cultural programmes. Roofing sheets and curtains have been installed around the area. As a preventive measure against borewell depletion in the future, the Twin Ring Recharge Method (a technique for recharging borewells by capturing rainwater and directing it into the ground through a filtration system using cement rings) has been implemented," he said.
