Banjara Indian Restaurant
(212) 477-5956
97 First Avenue
(at Sixth Street)
New York,
NY
10003
40.732254
-73.987411
What People Are Saying About Banjara Indian Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
In a neighborhood where Indian restaurants trade more on shimmer than subtlety, Banjara's approach seems almost daringly antithetical. The room is mostly dark, and often eerily silent. And with the exception of bathroom collages that look like they were culled from the pages of the country's version of Teen People magazine, most of the decor is tastefully restrained--a fresh-cut yellow rose brightens each table, while a colorful tapestry hangs from a back wall.
The Food
Tasteful restraint also defines Banjara's region-hopping menu, particularly the spicing, which favors flavor over fire. Occasionally, subtlety feels more like timidity, as in a meek jhinga til tikka (charcoal-fired prawns), but more often than not, well-deployed doses of strong, earthy spices give the food the personality it needs. A standout is the warming palak ghost (chicken or lamb in a puree of spinach, tomato and ginger).
User Reviews
kem31753
November 07, 2005
A friend and I went for lunch to scout out the restaurant for a future party. The menu was not the usual tired dishes (although if your favorite is not on the menu, it says they will make it for you!) The entrees were outstanding. I would recommend, though, that if you like your food fiery be sure to stress that. I requested my food to be spicy, but the chef must have thought I was kidding, and sent back something very, very mild. It was so flavorful, however, I didn't mind.
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jen_terry
September 02, 2005
We like the creamy chicken maslam and new favorite, chicken dumpkapht. The appetizers are small but tasty. One thing you can count on, poor service. The hostess also takes the orders and clears the tables. She is always running around on the phone. You are pressured to order more than you want. The "servers" are too busy running around, panicked and screaming at each other, to help customers. Want a water refill? Best to ask for 2-3 glasses extra and leave them on the table, you may not get anymore. Last night, we asked for our leftovers to go- 2 chicken dishes and rice (each were half portions, not just a couple bites). We said what we wanted to go twice, and for clarity, pointed to the dishes. Waitress threw one out, wasnt sorry, wouldnt replace it, but gave us extra rice. And she was rude. Great food, terrible service.
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kganancial
August 15, 2005
Banjara was my first take on Indian cuisine (a few years back) and since then I've had dreams about their food! Not only is their service outstanding and courteous but their tasty selection is amazing. I've pretty much had everything on the menu but for the newbies I highly recommend their Salan Curry chicken accompanied with Raita to curve the fire.