By Ava Stryker-Robbins
Picture a restaurant that feels comfortable. There are paintings on the red walls, mirrors alongside some tables, and traditional music softly playing throughout the room. Upon entering, a wave of peacefulness washes over me. The staff is kind and welcoming.
Indian Tanpura’s Chicken Tikka Masala and Mango Lassi make a perfect combo. Chicken Tikka Masala is made by marinating chicken in spices and serving it with a thick, creamy, tomato sauce. It is served with rice. At Indian Tanpura, you can order the dish as spicy as you would like it. The chicken is comforting and filling, leaving me feeling warm inside. The chicken is soft and boneless and served with plenty of sauce to douse your rice in.
Mango Lassi is a mango beverage made with yogurt and a small amount of sugar. The mango tasted beyond fresh and the addition of rose water made it all the more flavorful. It was immensely refreshing.
While the Chicken Tikka Masala and Mango Lassi only last as long as the meal, the feeling of contentment that sets in afterward lasts much, much longer. The Chicken Tikka Masala costs $15.95 and the Mango Lassi costs $5.50.
The Dish: Chicken Tikka Masala and Mango Lassi
The Restaurant: Indian Tanpura (564 Amsterdam Ave, on 87th Street)
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Whatever happened to Indian food??? Indian food used to be so delicious in the city and it all just seems tasteless as if every Indian food restaurant on the UWS lost all their recipes, I am excited to try Indian Tanpura!! I need some delicious Indian food.
There’s never been more variety and innovation in Indian food in the city! Check out Dhamaka downtown.
I’m referring to the quality of the recipes, the taste. Unless its me, the Indian food tastes very far away from the Indian food that used to be in the city 20 – 30 years ago.
This is our go to for Indian food. The chicken vindaloo is also amazing but super hot, so we have it over rice or biryani with lots of yogurt. Tastes like home cooked food in the best way possible. Highly recommend!
They will also adjust the heat (spice) level to accommodate you, and are wonderful at getting it right. Our server could judge from 1 to 10 what we’d want. Moved last year and miss this place badly!
Can the author elaborate on whether they used breast meat or thigh meat for the chicken dishes?
By far the best Indian food on the UWS! I walk from West 73rd just to pick up takeout – and pass a half dozen other Indian spots on the way. It’s that good, and the staff is the nicest in the city.
I agree with Nick, the best Indian food on the UWS. Try the Curry Chicken (medium spicy) with a side of Okra. It will not disappoint! Great staff.
I like Manhattan Valley (formerly Indus Valley). Their “takeout deal” dinner combos are fantastic.
Indian Tanpura is my favorite Indian spot in the entire city. The staff is amazing and has always taken very good care of me. I have been singing their praises for a very long time. I am so happy WSR is recognizing them!
A second (and very strong) vote for Manhattan Valley (which I still refer to as Indus Valley, their original name) — wonderful food, and excellent whether for eat-in or take-away. Lovely staff, too. Their chicken tikka (not to be confused with tikka masala) is exquisite.