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Spice Symphony - Midtown East
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Spice Symphony - Midtown East
7.9
TripAdvisor Top 20 Hidden Gem serving rare Indo-Chinese fusion alongside traditional Indian dishes with notably attentive service. The unique menu features hard-to-find dishes like Chicken Lollipops and Hakka Noodles that bridge Indian spices with Chinese technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Lollipops, Chili Chicken, Hakka Noodles
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rare Indo-Chinese menu with authentic street food flavors unavailable elsewhere in NYC
Who should go: Adventurous eaters and homesick Indo-Chinese lovers
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or weekend brunch
What to order: Chicken Lollipops, Triple Szechwan, Gobi Manchurian
Insider tip: Manager Nisar provides exceptional personalized service—ask for spice recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; street parking challenging in Midtown. Nearby garage at San Carlos Hotel. Subway access excellent - garden level entrance at 150 E 50th St
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops perfectly acceptable. 'Casual yet classy' atmosphere welcomes business lunch and weekend diners alike
Noise level: Moderate - dimmed lighting creates intimate vibe. Can get lively when full but conversation-friendly. Curved banquettes offer some sound buffer
Weekend wait: 15-25 min without reservation; book via OpenTable for prime slots. Groups of 12+ accommodated with 2 days notice
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately - popular $45 lunch set moves quickly for business crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - separate dedicated vegetarian menu with 20+ options including Gobi Manchurian, Paneer Chilli, Soya Kheema Mutter, and vegetarian biryani
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan section featuring dishes like Vegetable Manchurian, tofu lettuce wraps, Kung Po Tofu, and homemade mango-coconut-honey sorbet (lactose-free, gluten-free)
Gluten-free options: Limited but available - rice dishes, tandoori items, and sorbets work. Staff accommodating with modifications on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the low lighting creates a cozy, romantic atmosphere and the unique Indo-Chinese menu gives you plenty to discuss. Staff like manager Nisar are attentive without hovering. Reasonably priced wine list ($11/glass) keeps it affordable
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties of 2-4, especially weekday lunch. Weekend dinner may have short waits. For groups of 6+, definitely call ahead - they're accommodating with 1-2 days notice for larger parties
Is it kid-friendly? Family-friendly with shareable dishes like Chicken Lollipops that appeal to kids. Mild options available - ask staff to adjust spice levels. The garden-level space is comfortable but compact; works best with older children who can handle adventurous flavors
Best For
Better for: Authentic Indo-Chinese dishes nearly impossible to find elsewhere in Manhattan - Chicken Lollipops, Hakka Noodles, and Triple Szechwan rival what you'd find in Kolkata. Staff genuinely customize spice levels. Halal meat available. Outstanding wine list for an Indian restaurant
Skip if: You want a large, airy space - the garden-level dining room can feel snug when busy. Pure Chinese or upscale fine-dining seekers should look elsewhere. Not ideal for very young children given bold flavors
Spice Symphony - Midtown East
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Spice Symphony’s Midtown East outpost serves polished North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes with fast lunch-box options and a full dining room menu. It’s a reliable pick for flavorful business lunches near office towers and hotels, with efficient service and strong spice control.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Chicken (Dry), Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Biryani Lunch Box
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Concierge-approved Indian and Indo-Chinese with fast, structured lunch boxes.
Who should go: Office groups wanting bold flavors without losing the afternoon
When to visit: Noon–1pm for energy; 1:30pm for quieter tables
What to order: Chili Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, any biryani lunch box
Insider tip: Call ahead for large lunch-box orders to feed a meeting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited during weekday business hours; check nearby garages on 51st–53rd for the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire fits naturally, but jeans and button-downs are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate—steady lunch traffic but still suitable for business conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes; the Midtown East location is quieter at night.
Weekday lunch: Often a brief 5–10 minute wait at peak noon rush; minimal wait after 1:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—paneer mains, dals, vegetable curries, and several Indo-Chinese dishes.
Vegan options: Moderate—chana masala, vegetable curries, and certain stir-fry items; confirm oil/ghee usage.
Gluten-free options: Many curries are naturally gluten-free; avoid breads and some Indo-Chinese sauces that may use wheat thickening.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Reasonably—comfortable seating and flavorful dishes, but it leans more toward practical dining than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—lunchtime may require a short wait, but walk-ins are typically accommodated quickly, especially after 1:15pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally—staff is accommodating, and mild spice adjustments are possible, but it’s optimized for adults and business diners rather than families with very young children.
Best For
Better for: Fast, structured lunch boxes, reliable spice control, and efficient service ideal for office schedules.
Skip if: You want a high-design ambiance, late-night scene, or ultra-regional Indian specialties.