Cafe Tibet
“My husband says the beef momos are excellent and so is the pork chili with tingmo (steamed tibetian bread).”
“Also, the sha-baklap is not to be missed, It's a sort of a Tibetan empanada (or maybe empanadas are Latino versions of these!)”
“It's basically a better version of whatever coconut milk-based lamb curry you've had at an indian restaurant.”
Cafe Tibet
Take-out: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I've been coming to Cafe Tibet since I first discovered it about 8 years ago. I used to love this place! However, we went there yesterday (6/29/16) and quality and taste declined since our last visit about a month ago! I have no idea what happened!
Sukuti (appetizer) was on point I give them that!
Shabaklap left a lot to desire! Dough was different (bad) and flavorless. Usually these beef patties have a lot of meat with spices and broth inside the dough. Nope, not this time. They were dry. The side salad turned into basically few slices of romain with some dressing. They used to have actual little fresh salad with carrots and onions which paired fantastic with shabaklap. 🙁
Friend ordered shrimp curry. She said it was super sweet this time.
Also, sauces they give you on the side tasted nothing like they typically do. Way too watery and way too much vinegar added.
This place used to be a gem… I'm quite disappointed that my favorite restaurant is turning into mediocre establishment… Quality is definitely declining.
Whoa, this place is amazing. Having lived in NYC for 10 years now, it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to food here. It takes even more to truly blow me away. Cafe Tibet nearly did it. What a hidden little hole in the wall gem. Nestled right next to a Q/B train subway station, if you blink coming out of the station you'd miss this place. Inside it looks cheesy, almost kitschy. But once you taste the food, all it's weird spatial decorative misgivings evaporate. Make sure you order the momons, they take almost 20 minutes to steam but once you taste them you won't regret the wait. Just make sure you order the meat variety as the veggies version fell short tastewise when compared to the meat ones. Also, the sha-baklap is not to be missed, It's a sort of a Tibetan empanada (or maybe empanadas are Latino versions of these!) Anyways, they are delicious as well. We also had lamb curry, which wasn't as good as these other dishes, but it was still tasty. Their bread is strange, it comes in a rolled ball and you rip off strands of it. It went well with the curry but it lacks the "mopability" of naan. Tasty nevertheless. Apparently they allow BYOB which we will partake of next trip, and the many more trips that I have planned. You should plan one here too!!!!
It really is a hidden gem in the neighborhood. They have an expansive menu and are pretty knowledgeable/cautious if you have a food allergy.
My only issue with this place was the service. People who came in after us were being served before us and then when it came time for the check it was hard to get anyone's attention.
I'll be trying this spot again, because the food was great.
Intimate restaurant nearly hidden from sight right next to the Cortelyou subway. Good food and affordable. Had the curry noodles and the chili shrimp. Both were solid but I was hoping everything would be a little more spicy/flavorful. Also had the ginger honey tea and I swear I could drink that by the gallon – the mugs were a cute touch. Cash only (ugh) so be prepared.
Well I want to enjoy this place. I would if the wait was not as bad as I had to endure. Some of the dishes are plain that I can easily make on my own.
We started our night aiming for a local and easy date night and this place provide something in the middle. No alcohol, no super fancy waiting, no fancy lighting. Here is what you should expect on a Saturday night dinner.
Wait is about 20 to 30 Minutes which you can leave a phone number and they might call you. We have to wander around which is expected. After being seat, DO order quickly because here comes the second waiting wave. Expect your food to be out around 25 to 30 minutes if the place is packed with people. We order a tea and that comes around 20 minutes after we order. I kept wondering why they cant just send the appetizer out first. The truth is their cook will make order by order. Please change that or at least layout some bread to fill us up a little.
Anyway, their momo? I am not impressed. $1 dumpling in chinatown is better. Only thing I really enjoy is their curry which they recommended. We added a tofu dish and that was a disappointment. Soup is definitely a plus after being starving for the past hour.
Do give this place a try but don't come on weekend or Friday.
Totally random little restaurant tucked into the corner of the Q train Cortelyou stop. Maybe 8 tables tops. Wouldn't recommend coming here with more than 4 people. Actually no more than 2 is my suggestion. And maybe come at an off time because it can get packed.
Food is what your Tibetan grandma would cook. Hearty and filling bowls of noodle soup is the cure for winter depression. Momos are good too but the Tsam-Thuk is the bezzzzttttt! 2 bowls to my head please!
Food comes out on the slow side so don't expect your growling stomach to be immediately satiated.
Here I had the best curry in my life! It was so creamy and spicy and the meat was also nice.
Before we had some dumplings to share – also very good.
I love the atmosphere in there, it's really authentic. A little bit small, but familiar.
I will come back, when I will be in NY again!
I have been here several times and really like it. This is the only place that I have ever tried Tibetan food, so I can't say how it stacks up compared to other Tibetan restaurants. Everything that I have ordered has been good and the service is great as well. Another big plus is the BYOB policy. The main downside is that the restaurant is quite small. If you cone at a busy time you might not get a table.