Take-out: Yes Good for Kids: Yes Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
2 reviews
Teena Frankel
Im looking at some of the reviews of this restaurant and I am AMAZED at the high rating this restaurant has received. I have never been to Mehfil and was not familiar with the food there but when I went in to eat at Tadka it was the most disappointing Indian food I have had in NYC.
The seating inside was a little intimidating as there was only one person who was working there. The decor was ridiculous, it looked like a cafeteria of some sorts and there was little lighting except from the windows. There were also only one of two other groups in the restaurant, mainly locals and what seemed to be the family of one of the kitchen staff.
We came in for the lunch buffet because my friend was feeling lazy and did not want to travel much and had heard this place was alright. It was not. All the food there at the much buffet was off in terms of flavor and texture.
The rice and naan were both extremely dry; the naan was slightly burnt and was unpleasant and the rice had hard kernels which was either due to the food being left out too long or they just didnt cook the rice appropriately. The choices in the lunch buffet were pretty standard but were pretty terrible tasting.
Many of the dishes seemed to lack flavor and were really salty, so while I suppose salt is spice and flavor it should not be the main flavor profile.
Given a choice, I wouldnt not return here unless I was desperate for Indian food.
Tadka has replaced Mehfil, which was a young but beloved establishment that once stood in its place. There a few differences in menu items now. Gone are the Asian Fusion dishes.
Tadka's menu is a bit more traditional. And I believe they use seasoning and spices more liberally as well… at least, as far as my untrained palette goes.
I tried out the Chicken Pakora thanks to Rayad A's suggestion – it was pretty good! My friends and I thought it was a good alternative to starting off with Chicken Samosas.
My staple here is the Saag Lamb – moist boneless bits of lamb meat simmered with saucy spinach and cream – succulent and perfect on a mound of basmati rice.
Also a crowd favorite, the Butter Chicken – it's a bit spicier now than it was in the Mehfil days so be sure to ask for medium spiciness.
It's sad that the old owners moved away without a word.. but I guess it's time to move on. Tadka, I haven't completely warmed up to you yet but you seem nice enough. Let's be friends.
Monday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am Tuesday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am Wednesday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am Thursday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am Friday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am Saturday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am Sunday, 11:30 am - 2:00 am
Im looking at some of the reviews of this restaurant and I am AMAZED at the high rating this restaurant has received. I have never been to Mehfil and was not familiar with the food there but when I went in to eat at Tadka it was the most disappointing Indian food I have had in NYC.
The seating inside was a little intimidating as there was only one person who was working there. The decor was ridiculous, it looked like a cafeteria of some sorts and there was little lighting except from the windows. There were also only one of two other groups in the restaurant, mainly locals and what seemed to be the family of one of the kitchen staff.
We came in for the lunch buffet because my friend was feeling lazy and did not want to travel much and had heard this place was alright. It was not. All the food there at the much buffet was off in terms of flavor and texture.
The rice and naan were both extremely dry; the naan was slightly burnt and was unpleasant and the rice had hard kernels which was either due to the food being left out too long or they just didnt cook the rice appropriately. The choices in the lunch buffet were pretty standard but were pretty terrible tasting.
Many of the dishes seemed to lack flavor and were really salty, so while I suppose salt is spice and flavor it should not be the main flavor profile.
Given a choice, I wouldnt not return here unless I was desperate for Indian food.
I was skeptical. I really was.
Tadka has replaced Mehfil, which was a young but beloved establishment that once stood in its place. There a few differences in menu items now. Gone are the Asian Fusion dishes.
Tadka's menu is a bit more traditional. And I believe they use seasoning and spices more liberally as well… at least, as far as my untrained palette goes.
I tried out the Chicken Pakora thanks to Rayad A's suggestion – it was pretty good! My friends and I thought it was a good alternative to starting off with Chicken Samosas.
My staple here is the Saag Lamb – moist boneless bits of lamb meat simmered with saucy spinach and cream – succulent and perfect on a mound of basmati rice.
Also a crowd favorite, the Butter Chicken – it's a bit spicier now than it was in the Mehfil days so be sure to ask for medium spiciness.
It's sad that the old owners moved away without a word.. but I guess it's time to move on. Tadka, I haven't completely warmed up to you yet but you seem nice enough. Let's be friends.