Brick Lane Curry House has quickly become a popular destination for curry lovers in New York City. This in-depth review explores its menu, atmosphere, and overall dining experience, helping you decide if it's worth a visit. We'll dive into specific dishes, customer reviews, and what makes this Brick Lane location stand out.
The Menu: A Taste of London's Brick Lane in NYC
The menu at Brick Lane Curry House NYC is extensive, offering a wide array of classic and innovative Indian dishes. It's not just about the sheer number of options; the quality and authenticity shine through. The restaurant clearly aims to replicate the vibrant culinary scene found on London's actual Brick Lane.
Starters: A Flavorful Beginning
Starters include popular options like Samosas, Onion Bhajis, and Chicken Tikka. These are consistently praised for their crispiness and flavorful fillings. Many reviewers highlight the freshness of the ingredients used. A less common but highly recommended starter is the Paneer Pakora, offering a vegetarian alternative that's just as satisfying.
Main Courses: A Culinary Exploration
The main course selection is the heart of Brick Lane Curry House's offering. You'll find all the classics:
- Butter Chicken: A rich and creamy tomato-based curry, often cited as a favorite among diners.
- Vindaloo: For those who like a kick, the Vindaloo offers a fiery experience. Be warned—it’s quite spicy!
- Rogan Josh: A milder, yet deeply flavorful lamb curry.
- Chana Masala: A hearty chickpea curry, perfect for vegetarians.
Beyond the classics, the menu also showcases more nuanced regional specialties, demonstrating a commitment to culinary diversity within Indian cuisine. The restaurant often features seasonal specials, keeping the menu fresh and exciting.
Sides & Breads: Completing the Experience
No Indian meal is complete without naan bread! Brick Lane Curry House offers a variety of naans, including garlic naan, cheese naan, and plain naan. These are generally considered soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked. Rice dishes, both plain and flavored, are also available to complement the curries. Their raita (yogurt-based side dish) is a perfect cooling counterpoint to spicier curries.
Atmosphere and Service: A Vibrant Dining Experience
Brick Lane Curry House in NYC strives to recreate the bustling atmosphere of its London namesake. The restaurant is designed to be lively and inviting, with a décor that reflects the energy of Brick Lane's vibrant street food scene. While it can get noisy during peak hours, this adds to the overall energetic vibe.
Customer reviews generally praise the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff. However, like many popular restaurants, service can be a bit slow during busy periods. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Customer Reviews: What People Are Saying
Online reviews for Brick Lane Curry House are generally positive, with many praising the authenticity of the food and the vibrant atmosphere. Common themes include:
- Authentic Flavors: Many reviewers emphasize the genuine taste of the dishes, suggesting a dedication to using quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
- Generous Portions: The portions are generally considered to be quite generous, providing excellent value for the price.
- Lively Atmosphere: The bustling atmosphere is seen as both a positive and negative aspect, depending on individual preferences.
- Occasional Service Delays: As mentioned earlier, service can be slow during peak hours.
Here's a sample of online reviews:
"Best Indian food I've had in NYC! The Butter Chicken was incredible." - Yelp User
"Authentic and delicious. The atmosphere is a bit loud, but the food makes up for it." - Google Review
Price and Value: Is it Worth It?
Brick Lane Curry House sits in the mid-range price point for Indian restaurants in NYC. While not the cheapest option, the generous portions and high quality of ingredients justify the cost for many diners. The overall experience, combining the food, atmosphere, and service, makes it a worthwhile culinary adventure for many.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Curry Enthusiasts
Brick Lane Curry House in New York City offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrant flavors of London's Brick Lane without leaving the city. While service can sometimes be slow during peak times, the authentic dishes, generous portions, and lively atmosphere make it a must-try for any curry enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned Indian food connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Remember to make a reservation!
