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Raj's Indian Kitchen

42-12 28th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
$
Indian

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Raj's Indian Kitchen 8.0
Court Square
A compact, counter-leaning neighborhood spot that’s most useful as a repeatable takeout and quick-bite solution near Court Square. It hits best when you stick to a tight order—one curry, one rice dish, one naan—so the flavors stay clean and the value stays obvious.
Must-Try Dishes: Butter chicken, Lamb biryani, Chole bhature
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast, dependable Indian staples built for takeout value.
Who should go: Solo diners and weeknight takeout people
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fastest turnaround
What to order: Butter chicken, lamb biryani, garlic naan
Insider tip: Ask for extra heat and add one crisp snack to cut the richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; most people walk from Court Square stations or do quick pickup.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, workwear, and gym-adjacent outfits all fit.
Noise level: Low — counter-service energy with light kitchen noise, easy for conversation if eating in.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for food; seating is first-come and limited
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; orders move fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian curries, dals, and rice dishes are always available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — vegetable curries and dals can be vegan if clarified butter is skipped.
Gluten-free options: Some options — rice-based dishes and curries are fine, but naan and fried snacks are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s better as a quick, functional meal than a lingering or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is walk-in only, but space is limited and many people opt for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for takeout or quick meals — mild curries and rice work well, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Indian comfort with reliable flavor and easy takeout near Court Square.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience, polished service, or a place to linger over multiple courses.
Raj's Indian Kitchen 8.2
Dutch Kills
A dependable Indian kitchen for curries and tandoor favorites that deliver bold spice, generous portions, and weeknight reliability. It’s especially useful for group orders—multiple mains, naan, and rice—without turning the bill into a special-occasion situation.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken tikka masala, Chole bhature, Garlic naan
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Strong curry-and-naan fundamentals with generous portions.
Who should go: Anyone craving Indian comfort food fast
When to visit: Weeknights for an easy dinner plan
What to order: Tikka masala, chole bhature, garlic naan
Insider tip: Order extra naan—it’s the best value add-on
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding Dutch Kills area; generally manageable on weeknights but can get tighter after 7pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — easy to hold a conversation, though it gets livelier during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; shorter if you’re flexible on seating.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; ordering and seating move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several strong vegetarian curries, chana dishes, and paneer options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — chole, aloo-based dishes, and some lentil curries can be ordered vegan with clarification.
Gluten-free options: Partially — many curries and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free, but naan and fried items contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual meet than a romantic first impression. It’s comfortable and unfussy, but more about food than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Reservations aren’t typical here, and most diners walk in successfully, especially on weeknights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — familiar flavors, mild curry options, and rice-and-naan combos work well for kids, though there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Affordable Indian comfort food, generous portions, and easy group ordering without sacrificing flavor.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale plating, modern Indian fusion, or a polished dine-in atmosphere — this is more about practicality than polish.
Raj's Indian Kitchen 7.9
Court Square
A value-driven Indian counter-service spot where vegetarian eating is fast, filling, and repeatable—especially via the rotating veg lunch special. It’s not a linger-and-vibe room; it’s a dependable “I need something warm and satisfying now” move.
Must-Try Dishes: Veg lunch special (two rotating curries), Samosa chaat, Chana masala
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Vegetarian lunch specials make a complete meal feel effortless and affordable.
Who should go: Anyone needing fast vegetarian comfort food
When to visit: Weekday lunch for best speed and selection
What to order: Veg lunch special, samosa chaat, chana masala
Insider tip: Ask what the veg rotation is today, then build around it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the Court Square area; nearby paid garages are the safest bet if you’re driving during weekday business hours.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, work-from-home wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly quick counter traffic, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: No real wait; counter-service flow keeps things moving.
Weekday lunch: Usually 0–5 minutes, even during peak lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian dishes are core to the menu, especially lunch specials.
Vegan options: Yes—several naturally vegan options like chana, dal, and vegetable curries (confirm butter/ghee).
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based dishes and some curries work, but naan and fried items are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s functional and fast, better suited for solo meals than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed and seating usually turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat Indian food comfortably; no special kids menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable vegetarian Indian comfort food without decision fatigue.
Skip if: You want ambiance, a sit-down dining experience, or elevated presentation.