Best Indian And Pakistani Delis In New York City

This 24-hour East Village staple is known for its delicious take out Indian food and great prices. The menu is vegetarian and vegan with spicy samosas, rotis, and spiced potato patties, a welcome alternative to unsatisfying cakes or packs of cookies when you’re starving. Punjabi is popular among the New York, late-night, bar-hopping crowd and, of course, with the cabbies who take them home.
Punjabi Grocery and Deli, 114 East 1st Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 533 3356

Dil-e Punjabi Deli is a good, convenient choice, because it allows online ordering and delivery, except on Sundays. Highlights on the menu include Dahi Vada (lentil donut in fresh yogurt) as a snack, or Bhartha, which is a deep-roasted eggplant dish made with fresh ginger, tomatoes, and garlic. The best part is there’s nothing more than five dollars on the menu.
Dil-e Punjabi Deli, 170 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 647 9428

This Columbus Avenue deli has been a popular choice among the Columbia University crowd for years. There are nine pre-made curry options available which vary from day to day and more than 10 types of bread. It even offers fresh juices and milkshakes. In addition to the extensive menu, this place has stellar reviews for the customer service, which has become a lost art in most New York delis. Doaba also provides catering if you want a little authentic Indian food to spice up your party.
Doaba Deli, 945 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 222 2636

This 24-hour ‘deli’ is more of a restaurant, with a menu offering a great variety. It’s also has options for anyone craving non-vegetarian dishes. There’s everything from chicken to fish to lamb to goat, but no need to worry – there’s no shortage of veggies. If you’re craving meat, try the goat biryani, a mixed rice dish with spices, or the chicken vindaloo, which is a hot spicy curry made with red hot chili and vinegar. Even the beverages sound delicious. Desi offers fresh fruit juices and bubble teas as well.
Desi Deli, 724 10th Avenue, New York, NY, USA +1 212 399 9007

If you live in Astoria – or plan to visit some time soon – drop by Taste of Bengal, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the tasty possibilities. There are so many delicious options, such as nine biryani dishes and specialties in every category: vegetarian, chicken, beef, lamb, goat, and fish. Highlights on the menu include the boneless fish in a milk-based coconut milk sauce and the Shrimp Kadai, which is stir fried shrimp in a sweet-and-sour sauce with fresh vegetables. Both dishes come with complimentary basmati rice and naan.
Taste of Bengal, 2827 31st Street, Astoria, NY, USA +1 347 808 0149

If you’re in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, and you’re looking for a spicy change of pace, you can head over to Joy Indian and pick up one of its flavorful dishes. Joy Indian even has ‘Chef’s Special Presentation’ dishes. Mouthwatering options include the Shrimp Tandoori Masala: jumbo shrimp grilled with spices in a tandoori (clay oven) and then cooked with yogurt, cream, and almonds. For a date night, check out the special dinners for two – a great way to spice up your night.
Joy Indian, 301 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA +1 718 230 1165

With more than 10 kinds of homemade bread and a wide variety of specialty dishes under $15, Bombay Heights is the perfect choice for an Indian fix. Plus, it offers a daily special of one appetizer and one entrée selection for just under $14. This deal includes a serving of basmati rice, naan bread, cucumber raita yogurt, and mango chutney. Too tired to go outside? Bombay Heights delivers for free, with only a $10 minimum.
Bombay Heights, 1047 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA +1 718 230 7790

Known for its amazing, authentic Indian cuisine, Seva is an Astoria favorite, with highlights on the menu such as the Green Chili Chicken and the Masala Crab Cakes. For the vegans and vegetarians, there are specialties such as the Saag Paneer, which is a dish of spinach, homemade cheese, ginger, garlic, and tomato served over basmati rice; and the butternut squash soup. Room for dessert? Try the delicious honeyed dumplings with rosewater and coconut.
Seva, 30-07 34th Street, Astoria, NY, USA +1 718 626 4440

With such an interesting name, it’s no wonder that Tiffin Wallah has interesting dishes. Enjoy a meal inside or order online for delivery. This restaurant is both vegetarian and kosher, with an extensive menu which includes different types of dosa dishes (rice batter and lentil fermented crêpes). One, called the Gunpowder Masala Dosa, contains gunpowder chilies and is served with coconut chutney and sambar. Definitely a dish that will wake up your tastebuds.
Tiffin Wallah, 127 East 28th Street, New York, NY, USA +1 212 685 7301