Awadh New York

Menu Highlights

Awadh New York’s menu is a celebration of Awadhi cuisine’s rich heritage. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Galouti Kebab: Legendary melt-in-your-mouth patties infused with rare spices.
• Awadhi Biryani: Fragrant long-grain rice layered with succulent meat and saffron.
• Nalli Nihari: Slow-cooked shank in a rich, spicy gravy – a breakfast classic.
• Kakori Kebab: Delicately spiced minced lamb kebabs on skewers.
• Shahi Tukda: Crispy bread pudding soaked in sweet saffron milk.
• Murg Mussallam: Whole chicken roasted with yogurt and aromatic spices.
• Paneer Pasanda: Cottage cheese stuffed with nuts in creamy gravy.
• Rogani Roti: Buttery flatbread perfect for scooping up curries.
• Phirni: Traditional rice pudding flavored with cardamom and rose.
• Shami Kebab: Spiced patties with a crispy exterior and soft center.

The Awadh Experience

Ambiance and Interior

Step into Awadh New York and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of old-world charm. The restaurant features:

• Hand-carved wooden screens (jali work) separating dining sections
• Soft lighting from traditional lanterns casting warm glows
• Plush banquette seating with embroidered cushions
• Subtle background music featuring classical sitar melodies
• A show kitchen where you can watch chefs prepare tandoori specialties

Service and Hospitality

True to Awadhi traditions of “mehman nawazi” (guest hospitality), the staff at Awadh New York go above and beyond:

• Knowledgeable servers who can explain each dish’s history
• Attentive but not intrusive service
• Special accommodations for dietary restrictions
• Complimentary palate cleansers between courses

Pricing and Value

While not the cheapest Indian option in town, Awadh offers excellent value:

• Appetizers: $8-$18
• Main courses: $16-$32
• Breads/Rice: $4-$12
• Desserts: $7-$10
• Weekend lunch buffet: $25 per person

The portion sizes are generous, and the quality of ingredients justifies the prices.

Vibe and Clientele

Awadh attracts a diverse crowd:

• Food enthusiasts seeking authentic regional Indian cuisine
• Business diners during weekday lunches
• Families celebrating special occasions
• Couples enjoying romantic dinners in the cozy booths
• Groups of friends sharing platters of kebabs and biryani

Final Thoughts

Awadh New York stands out in NYC’s crowded Indian food scene by staying true to the delicate, royal flavors of Lucknow while providing a contemporary dining experience. The Galouti Kebabs (so tender they supposedly were created for a toothless nawab) and the Awadhi Biryani (sealed with dough to trap aromas) are absolute must-orders.

This restaurant is perfect for:

• Anyone tired of generic “Indian” food and wanting regional specialties
• Diners who appreciate both flavor and presentation
• Those seeking a refined yet unpretentious atmosphere

In my experience, what makes Awadh special isn’t just the food (which is exceptional), but the entire package – the warm service, the transportive ambiance, and the sense that you’re experiencing culinary traditions passed down through generations. It’s easily one of the best Indian restaurants in New York, particularly for those seeking authentic Awadhi cuisine.

Some of the images and information is taken from other sources.

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