The MasalaWala

Name: The MasalaWala
Address: 179 Essex Street, New York, NY, United States, 10002
Telephone: (212) 358-9300
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

243 Reviews

$30 and under

Indian

Top Tags:

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
Cuisines
Indian, Southeast Asian
Hours of operation
Lunch & Dinner: Daily: 12:00pm - 12:00am
Phone number
(212) 358-9300
Website
http://www.themasalawala.com/
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

Location
179 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002
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:<br />2 Ave. (F)<br />Delancey St. (F)<br />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

Chilli Prawn$13.00
tiger prawn, chili garlic sauce, vinegar, scallions
Samosa Chaat$9.00
smashed samosa, chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind
Chicken 69$11.00
crispy chicken, South-Indian spices, mustard
Vegetable Samosa$6.00
Crispy turnover, spiced potatoes, peas
Gobi Manchurian$11.00
Cauliflower / ginger / Indo-Chinese spices
Pani Puri$6.00
semolina puffs, potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind
Chilli Paneer$11.00
seared Indian cheese, soy-ginger sauce, peppers
Dahi Puri$7.00
semolina puffs, potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, mint

Tandoori Thali (Grill)

mouth-watering kababs from the clay oven. Served with Ghee Rice and mint chutney

Tandoori Tiger Prawn$18.00
turmeric, coriander, ginger cream, green chili
Malai Chicken$16.00
Amul cheese, ginger cream, Kashmiri chili
Tandoori Chicken Leg$16.00
yogurt, garam masala, garlic, red & green chili
Chicken Tikka$16.00
Semolina puffs / potatoes / chickpeas / tamarind

Biryani & Curries

Authentic, crave-worthy classics. Biryani served with Raita. Curries served with Basmati rice.

Lamb Biryani$18.00
braised lamb, basmati rice, star anise, saffron
Prawn Malabar$19.00
tiger prawn, coconut milk, ginger, turmeric
Chicken Biryani$17.00
braised chicken, basmati rice, saffron, cloves
Coconut Fish$17.00
market fish fillet, coconut milk, curry leaf
Lamb Rogan Josh$18.00
slow-cooked lamb, Kashmiri spices, red chili
Malai Kofta$16.00
vegetable & paneer croquette, cashew cream
Chicken Korma$17.00
slow cooked chicken, cashew cream, cumin
Palak Paneer$16.00
grilled Indian cheese, fresh creamed spinach
Chicken Vindaloo$16.00
Goan spiced chicken, garlic, vinegar, chili
Aloo Gobi$15.00
cauliflower, potatoes, cumin, ginger, green chili
Chicken Tikka Masala$16.00
tandoori chicken, tomato cream, fenugreek
Chana Masala$15.00
chickpeas, garam masala, mango powder

Breads

Add a little flair to your delicious day

Amul Cheese Naan$5.00
Garlic Naan$4.00
Butter Naan$4.00
Paratha$4.00

Sides

Add a little flair to your delicious day

Yellow Dal$6.00
Basmati Rice$4.00
Chutney$3.00
Cucumber Raita$3.00

Beverages

Refreshers

Mango Lassi$5.00
Thums Up - Indian Soda$3.00
Coke / Sprite - Regular Soda$3.00
Masala Chai$4.00
"Best Chai in the NYC" ~Tasting Table

What 243 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4

4.4 based on all time ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
3.9Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

243 Reviews

AS
AkeS
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, Good service in a family restaurant. Definitely a restaurant to come back to.
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YB
YeaBoi
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience3
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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J
Justryingtoeat
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience1
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.
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NP
NeilP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
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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JE
JayEllar
New York Area
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
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.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall2food5service1ambience5
Very long wait time despite having a reservation. Was told 5-10 minutes but ended up waiting closer to 35.
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k
kichijoji
New York Area
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
Delicious vegan options and excellent service.
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D
Delish
Las Vegas
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Absolutely fantastic food - best Chai I have ever had. Authentic and delicious.
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LT
LindaT
New York Area
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
The greeting by the father makes you feel so warm and welcomed! What a wonderful place!
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j
jmcrv
New York Area
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
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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M
Mudge
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 10, 2020
overall4food5service5ambience4
This is one of my favorite spots for Indian cuisine. Always delicious, always packed and frenetic in its small dining room, but never a visit I regret or a wait not worth sitting through. I could go on and on about their menu but just go! And go soon!
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A
Abbys
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2019
overall1food1service1ambience1
Even though we had reservations, it was closed when we got there. So we did not end up eating there.
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RH
RobinH
Baltimore
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went searching for MasalaWala because we hadn’t had Indian food in a long time and were craving delicious naan and masala. After some research on the best Indian food in NYC, we decided to trek down from the upper west to the lower side of the east village for MasalaWala and we are so happy we did. The food was delicious and the staff were friendly and responsive. The restaurant is small but the tables filled up fast. Our 9 and 11 year old daughters were very content. Thank you to the owner and staff for a wonderful evening. We will be back soon.
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AD
AlbertoD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service food was great food was delicious felt right at home would definitely be back...
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T
Taryn
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
EXCELLENT as always. Small place, huge flavor. And one of the few Indian establishments to consistently make Mango Kulfi for desert - and year round!!
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JT
JordanT
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love MasalaWala!
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JW
JoaneW
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really good good. Will definitely come back regularly.
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PG
PickyGourmand
Charleston
24 reviews
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Fun spot. Very good food, excellent vibe, great value. Worth the trip down to the LES.
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b
biancap
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing!!!!
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CH
ChiHockeyEpicurean
Chicago
39 reviews
4.0
39 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience3
The MasalaWala is a very small, very good Indian restaurant on the Lower East Side. The operation is overseen by a very involved owner who makes it a point to be present and to speak with his guests. That's a great thing. The service is attentive and responsive - also a good thing. The food is very good. We enjoyed excellent Naan with our meals. The mains 1) palak paneer - spinach with Indian cheese - was excellent. Spinach was flavored perfectly and the cheese squares were nicely done. Great Indian comfort food for me. 2) Tiger Shrimp Malabar - featured plenty of shrimp, nice size, in a gently spiced sauce with a slightly coconut flavor. The shrimp were in their shells and included more than was edible (although some may-perhaps enjoy some parts as delicacies - not me.) The sauce was a bit too gentle for me and could have been more spiced, and the shrimp may have been overcooked a bit - they were mushier than I prefer. We had an order of Chicken 65 as an appetizer - it was very good, and a bit spicier than I recall this dish at other Indian restaurants. I enjoy spicy, so this was a good thing. The chicken pieces were plentiful and well cooked. My main concern about the restaurant was the noise level - driven by a very loud music system in the small room. The music was quite eclectic and not necessarily traditional Indian. When we entered, I was certain that someone in the kitchen must have been playing a loud video game because the shooting and background noises could only have been a video game - but a staff member told me that was the music... it changed, but remained loud. The restaurant is very small - a bit crowded - and the music made a normal conversation difficult, but with using a louder than normal voice and directled listening, it was bearable. Overall, I enjoyed The MasalaWala and I would go back again. Reservations are a good idea here.
1 person found this helpful
HK
HK100
Miami
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
All the dishes we ordered were delicious. Will surely go back again. It was especially nice that the owner stopped by a couple times to check up on our meal. He was very friendly and clearly very proud of his wonderful food.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 27, 2019
overall3food5service1ambience3
Service is very poor. Waiter made us wait outside the restaurant and greeted us with a mean “how many people!” Not even a hello or thank you for coming. Then he started pointing out prices on the menu as if it was going to be a problem! So rude. Great food though! Music is too loud.
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S
Shashank
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Good food and friendly owner. They have one of the best chicken tandoori.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent. What a surprise. The owner cane around to check on us during the dinner. Food was first rate, great value, pleasant ambiance. Definitely worth a detour. Best to make a reservation
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A
Altm
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience3
Great food and great service. Will certainly come again!
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TK
TaniaK
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall1food3service1ambience2
Made a reservation for 8:45 but when we arrived, we were told that we wouldn’t be seated until 9:30 at the earliest. There was a long line of people outside who had reservations but the restaurant was very far behind schedule. The host was rude and the restaurant was clearly disorganized.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely food ! Great service definitely recommend
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AC
AliaC
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The most authentic Indian food in the city. Unassuming, delicious.
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A
Adam
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tikka Masala best I ever had, service was great and the owner came over to personally great us
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CM
CarolineM
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
We had a wonderful meal here. The service was excellent and the host was so sweet and welcoming. He checked in with us several times, and even had a special dish of chicken tikka masala made without any spices at all for my 9 year old, who found even the mild dish too spicy - she loved it! The room is cute and inviting, not too noisy, the waiters were very friendly and attentive, and overall a great meal.
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s
sonalik
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good ambience, cosy, tiny restaurant with family run authentic food. Engaging servers.
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SJ
SteadyJoy
New York Area
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been here several times. Never fails with service and food. I like the choices of categories of food. Easy to choose and also the staff and owner will come to your table and help you with choices. As I sit down, I always order the Gobi Manchurian (Cauliflower / ginger / Indo-Chinese spices) as a starter; then a couple other can't-miss meat and veggie entrees. Later, at home, I re-feast on leftovers.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Coastal Georgia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
Was a great all around experience. Food very tasty and wait staff very attentive. Very authentic.
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LH
LindsayH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience3
Fast and fantastic service. Food was delicious. Price was reasonable. I will be back.
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DF
DFGP
Caribbean
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love The food and we love how we are treated. During a ten-day visit to Manhattan, we have eaten here twice. The samosas are a really good start. We will be back!
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NI
NoorI
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on July 17, 2019
overall2food1service1ambience1
The food was terrible. It was not freshly made, nor was it warm enough to eat. I ordered Chilli prawns and there were literally like 3 prawns in there for $13. Friends and I ordered soda and they never brought it to our table but when the bill came they charged us for it. The service was terrible but the food was even worst. I would never go back there. I honestly don’t know what the hype is for. Worst experience and legit waste of my money !!!!!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience4
I just moved to nyc about a month ago and I have come back to this place 3 times. You gotta know that if you are in nyc where the food choices are abundant and I chose to go back to this place 3 times it has to be damn good. And it is. I’m a foodie and I know food so I recommend this place to anyone.
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L
Lynne
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic experience, always. Highly recommend to anyone looking for quality Indian food in the city.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience3
Good food, very quickly came out and great taste. Liked the gobi Manchurian!
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P
Pp20
New York Area
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2019
overall2food4service2ambience2
Food was great, none of the drinks were chilled and air conditioning was ineffective
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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 243 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

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
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

Website
http://www.themasalawala.com/
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

The MasalaWala

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Street Food (Starters)

Chilli Prawn$13.00

Samosa Chaat$9.00

Chicken 69$11.00

Vegetable Samosa$6.00

Gobi Manchurian$11.00

Pani Puri$6.00

Chilli Paneer$11.00

Dahi Puri$7.00

Tandoori Thali (Grill)

Tandoori Tiger Prawn$18.00

Malai Chicken$16.00

Tandoori Chicken Leg$16.00

Chicken Tikka$16.00

Biryani & Curries

Lamb Biryani$18.00

Prawn Malabar$19.00

Chicken Biryani$17.00

Coconut Fish$17.00

Lamb Rogan Josh$18.00

Malai Kofta$16.00

Chicken Korma$17.00

Palak Paneer$16.00

Chicken Vindaloo$16.00

Aloo Gobi$15.00

Chicken Tikka Masala$16.00

Chana Masala$15.00

Breads

Amul Cheese Naan$5.00

Garlic Naan$4.00

Butter Naan$4.00

Paratha$4.00

Sides

Yellow Dal$6.00

Basmati Rice$4.00

Chutney$3.00

Cucumber Raita$3.00

Beverages

Mango Lassi$5.00

Thums Up - Indian Soda$3.00

Coke / Sprite - Regular Soda$3.00

Masala Chai$4.00

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does The MasalaWala offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The MasalaWala restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information