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Punjabi Grocery & Deli
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Punjabi Grocery & Deli
7.8
A cash-only, counter-service Punjabi deli where the vegetarian trays and sweets are the point—fast, filling, and built for takeout utility. It shines when you mix one saucy main with one green or lentil dish so the plate feels balanced, not one-note.
Must-Try Dishes:
Samosa Chaat, Chana, Saag
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cash-only Punjabi counter with rotating vegetarian mains and sweets.
Who should go: Budget lunch hunters and takeout regulars
When to visit: Midday for freshest trays
What to order: Samosa chaat, chana, saag
Insider tip: Ask what’s freshest, then pair one rich dish with one green dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; difficult during peak East Village hours. Public transit or walking is the easiest option.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—anything goes. This is a grab-and-go counter, not a sit-down restaurant.
Noise level: High for the space—constant counter activity and street noise, but ordering is quick.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes at most; line moves fast and there’s no table turnover to wait for.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of a brief lunchtime rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is vegetarian with rotating hot trays and snacks.
Vegan options: Many options are naturally vegan, but confirm ghee or dairy use on specific dishes.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some lentil and vegetable dishes may work, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—this is strictly a utilitarian, takeout-focused stop with no seating or atmosphere for lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables—order at the counter and take your food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick takeout—mild curries, lentils, and sweets work well, but there’s no space to sit or accommodate strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive vegetarian Indian food when you want substance and value over ambiance.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down dining, spice customization, or a social meal—choose a full-service Indian restaurant instead.
Punjabi Grocery & Deli
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
A cash-and-go counter that’s ideal for families who want big flavor on a budget and don’t need full service. It’s strongest when you mix one rich curry with one greens or lentil dish so the plate feels balanced, then grab chai or a sweet to finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chana, Saag, Samosa chaat
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Ultra-affordable Punjabi trays and chai built for fast family takeout.
Who should go: Families feeding everyone on a budget
When to visit: Midday for the freshest trays
What to order: Chana, saag, samosa chaat
Insider tip: Pair one rich dish with one green/lentil dish for better balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village and toughest evenings—plan to walk or do quick pickup.
Dress code: Ultra-casual; anything goes since this is a standing counter/takeout spot.
Noise level: Low—no dining room, just brief counter interaction.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait, but short lines can form late night.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to none; quick in-and-out service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many core dishes are vegetarian, including lentils, chickpeas, and greens.
Vegan options: Yes—several naturally vegan curries and sides; confirm no butter or cream.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but shared prep surfaces mean cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—this is a no-frills counter with no seating. Better for food runs than face time.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no table service—order at the counter and take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for takeout—great for feeding kids cheaply, but there’s no space to sit or linger.
Best For
Better for: Fast, ultra-budget Indian food with bold flavor—especially vegetarian trays and chai.
Skip if: You want seating, service, or a sit-down family meal—choose a full-service Indian restaurant instead.