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The MasalaWala, New York, NY

The MasalaWala

4.4
4.4
242 Reviews
$30 and under
Indian
  • Innovative
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Neighborhood gem
The MasalaWala is more than just a merchant of spice…it’s an embodiment of the inventive soul that loves the art of discovering perfect proportions. A meal here is a heart-warming experience that delicately balances tradition with adventure, delicious taste with a healthy mindset, and time-tested technique with modern technology. At The MasalaWala, we think traditional Indian deserves a new twist. Think hip. Think fresh. Think creative yet casual. Because that’s what South Asian street food is all about – and we believe these fun little dishes are truly the best food South Asia has to offer! But you'll also find signature Indian curries and the most popular entrees for those days that call for classic comfort. The MasalaWala is our way of bringing local flavor across the globe, and wrapping it up in a cozy neighborhood restaurant that appeals to all five senses.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Indian, Southeast Asian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch & Dinner: Daily: 12:00pm - 12:00am
  • Phone number
    (212) 358-9300
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Chhimi Dorje
  • Catering
    We cater to all types of occasions and celebrations. From intimate events to large family or corporate banquets, our specialty is providing you excellent quality dishes that will impress your guests. We also provide live cooking stations at request for Large Banquets or Corporate Events
  • Neighborhood
    Lower East Side
  • Cross street
    East Houston Street
  • Parking details
    There is a paid parking lot attached to the restaurant, while there are available metered spots around the Essex/E. Houston Street area
  • Public transit
    MTA Subway:2 Ave. (F)Delancey St. (F)Essex St. (J, M, Z)
  • Entertainment
    Designed by award-winning architecture firm, Method Design Inside Indian culture the MasalaWala is the purveyor of spices whose colored and textured stalls are ubiquitously found across every market. The design of The MasalaWala restaurant in the Lower East Side of New York City was influenced by the local traditions from which it originated.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Delivery, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 242 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.5Value

NoiseModerate

242 Reviews
  1. AkeS

    London

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food, Good service in a family restaurant. Definitely a restaurant to come back to.

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  2. YeaBoi

    New York City

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Food is incredible, the owner is annoying. He would not leave us alone, not the first time either. Late to sit us with a reservation, was pushing us out the door once our food was finished and we were still drinking our wine. Would be 5/5 if the owner wasn't an egotistical maniac

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  3. Justryingtoeat

    New York City

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Why would you exceed the amount of reservations you can serve? I had a reservation for 2 , waited 20 minutes and had a couple go ahead even though they arrived 15 minutes after my reservation time. What’s worse is I was told the next table would be given to me and then it was handed to that couple. There were more 4 different groups of people waiting and it did not look like any tables would be free anytime soon. Can’t speak for the food but step up how you manage reservation capacity.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. NeilP

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, and great food. Came for my birthday with six people, everyone enjoyed the evening. Prices are a little high, but well worth it for the delicious Indian food. Highly recommend the Chicken 69 as an appetizer.

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  5. JayEllar

    VIP

    New York City

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    MasalaWala is always a treat. The food is well prepared with fresh ingredients and flavors that pop. The wine menu, while short, covers all the basics of food pairing and wine. The owner is always around talking to customers and truly making them feel like family. He is a treasure.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Very long wait time despite having a reservation. Was told 5-10 minutes but ended up waiting closer to 35.

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  7. kichijoji

    New York City

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious vegan options and excellent service.

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  8. Delish

    Seattle

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Absolutely fantastic food - best Chai I have ever had. Authentic and delicious.

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  9. LindaT

    New York City

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The greeting by the father makes you feel so warm and welcomed! What a wonderful place!

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  10. jmcrv

    New York City

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    after a bit of an unforeseen wait, we had a lovely time. the restaurant is small and very popular - for good reason!

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FAQs

The MasalaWala does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now, Postmates and Uber Eats. The MasalaWala also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 358-9300.

The MasalaWala is rated 4.4 stars by 242 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The MasalaWala

179 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002

Additional information

  • Cross street
    East Houston Street
  • Neighborhood
    Lower East Side
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch & Dinner: Daily: 12:00pm - 12:00am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Indian, Southeast Asian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    There is a paid parking lot attached to the restaurant, while there are available metered spots around the Essex/E. Houston Street area
  • Public transit
    MTA Subway:2 Ave. (F)Delancey St. (F)Essex St. (J, M, Z)
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Chhimi Dorje
  • Entertainment
    Designed by award-winning architecture firm, Method Design Inside Indian culture the MasalaWala is the purveyor of spices whose colored and textured stalls are ubiquitously found across every market. The design of The MasalaWala restaurant in the Lower East Side of New York City was influenced by the local traditions from which it originated.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Delivery, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (212) 358-9300
  • Catering
    We cater to all types of occasions and celebrations. From intimate events to large family or corporate banquets, our specialty is providing you excellent quality dishes that will impress your guests. We also provide live cooking stations at request for Large Banquets or Corporate Events
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