ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Midtown East
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
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
Consider Alternatives 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