The Great New York Indian Restaurant Safari: How Many Curry Houses Can You Conquer?
Ah, New York City. The city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of...and apparently, a land overflowing with Indian restaurants! But just how many curry houses are we talking about? Buckle up, because we're diving into the delicious unknown.
Estimating the Everest of Samosas: It's a Lot
Let's be honest, counting every single dosa place in NYC is a task that would make even the most enthusiastic spice lover shed a tear. There are websites with listings that seem endless, whispers of hidden gems tucked away in forgotten corners, and enough butter chicken to feed a small army (which, depending on your day, sounds like a good thing).
Here's what we do know:
- Wikipedia's "Indian restaurants in New York City" category is a five-page odyssey, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
- One report claims there are over 200 Indian restaurants without even a website! Those are the elusive street vendors and hole-in-the-wall paradises waiting to be discovered.
So, an exact number? Fuggedaboutit. But hey, that's part of the fun!
Finding Your Perfect Paneer: A Guide for the Adventurous Eater
With restaurants seemingly on every corner, how do you choose where to embark on your next culinary adventure? Fear not, fellow traveler! Here are a few tips:
- Go Regional: North Indian? South Indian? Does the word "vindaloo" make you sweat, or do you crave a lighter touch? NYC offers a mind-boggling variety of regional Indian cuisine.
- Follow the Spice Trail: Do you like your food to make your taste buds do the Macarena, or are you more of a mild-mannered mango lassi kind of person? Let your spice tolerance be your guide.
- Reviews to the Rescue: Don't be shy about peeking at online reviews and ratings. Just remember, some folks find lukewarm water "too spicy," so take it with a grain of saffron rice.
Remember, the best way to find your favorite Indian restaurant is to explore!
Fun Facts That May or May Not Be True (But Are Entertaining Nonetheless)
- There's a rumor that if you climb the Empire State Building and yell "Chicken Tikka Masala!" loud enough, a friendly delivery person will appear with a complimentary curry. (We advise against testing this theory.)
- New Yorkers might actually run on a secret fuel source of naan and chai. Don't be surprised if you see someone sprinting down the street with a tandoori chicken leg in one hand.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Indian Restaurant Odyssey Awaits!
How to find highly-rated Indian restaurants in NYC?
Many websites and apps like Yelp, OpenTable, and Google Maps allow you to search for Indian restaurants with user reviews and ratings.
How to choose a restaurant for a specific regional Indian cuisine?
Do some research online! Many restaurants will highlight their regional specialties on their websites or menus.
How to navigate a menu if you're unfamiliar with Indian food?
Don't be afraid to ask! Most restaurants have friendly staff who can explain dishes and recommend something based on your preferences.
How to deal with spice levels?
Many restaurants will ask you how spicy you'd like your dish. If you're unsure, start mild and work your way up. You can always add spice, but you can't take it away (unless you have some magic yogurt handy).
How to recreate the New York Indian restaurant experience at home?
There are plenty of great Indian cookbooks and online recipes available. But hey, nothing beats the atmosphere and variety of dining in the city that never sleeps (and never stops serving curry)!
